Cells  useful for immuno-based botulinum toxin serotype a activity assays

ABSTRACT

The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

This patent application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/160,199 filed Mar. 13, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The sequences disclosed in the present specification are contained in the Sequence Listing submitted with the present specification which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The ability of Clostridial toxins, such as, e.g., Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/C1, BoNT/D, BoNT/E, BoNT/F and BoNT/G, and Tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT), to inhibit neuronal transmission are being exploited in a wide variety of therapeutic and cosmetic applications, see e.g., William J. Lipham, Cosmetic and Clinical Applications of Botulinum Toxin (Slack, Inc., 2004). Clostridial toxins commercially available as pharmaceutical compositions include, BoNT/A preparations, such as, e.g., BOTOX® (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif.), DYSPORT®/RELOXIN®, (Ipsen Ltd., Slough, England), PURTOX® (Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, Calif.), XEOMIN® (Merz Pharmaceuticals, GmbH., Frankfurt, Germany), NEURONOX® (Medy-Tox, Inc., Ochang-myeon, South Korea), BTX-A (Biogen-tech Ltd., University, Yantai, Shandong, China); and BoNT/B preparations, such as, e.g., MYOBLOC®/NEUROBLOC® (Solstice Neurosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif.). As an example, BOTOX® is currently approved in one or more countries for the following indications: achalasia, adult spasticity, anal fissure, back pain, blepharospasm, bruxism, cervical dystonia, essential tremor, glabellar lines or hyperkinetic facial lines, headache, hemifacial spasm, hyperactivity of bladder, hyperhidrosis, juvenile cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, myoclonic disorders, nasal labial lines, spasmodic dysphonia, strabismus and VII nerve disorder.

At present the mouse LD₅₀ bioassay, a lethality test, remains the “gold standard” test used by all pharmaceutical manufacturers to express the potency of their preparations. S. S. Amon et al., JAMA 285: 1059-1070 (2001). In fact, the units on the pharmaceutical preparations' labels are mouse LD₅₀ units and the number of animals needed to produce statistically useful LD₅₀ data is large. The advantage of the mouse LD₅₀ bioassay is that it measures all the steps necessary for botulinum toxin uptake (e.g., toxin binding to a cell surface receptor, internalization of the toxin-receptor complex, light chain translocation into the cytoplasm, light chain cleavage of substrate), instead of merely determining the activity for only part of this intoxication process, such as, e.g., in vitro assays that only measure light chain enzymatic activity. Unfortunately, the mouse LD₅₀ bioassay suffers from many drawbacks including high operational cost due to the large numbers of laboratory animals required, a lack of specificity since all BoNT serotypes will cause the same measurable end-point, and the potential for inaccuracy unless large animal groups are used. In addition, animal rights groups have exerted pressure on regulatory agencies in the United States (FDA/NICEATM/ICCVAM) and Europe (MHRA and EDQM), and on pharmaceutical companies manufacturing botulinum neurotoxin products to reduce animal testing and more importantly replace the mouse LD₅₀ bioassay for product release. The regulatory agencies are engaging pharmaceutical companies to apply the three “Rs” principle to the potency testing of botulinum neurotoxins: Reduce, Refine, Replace. D. Straughan, Progress in Applying the Three Rs to the Potency Testing of Botulinum Toxin Type A, Altern. Lab. Anim. 34(3): 305-313 (2006). In recent years, several steps have been already taken to reduce and refine the mouse LD₅₀ bioassay in order to standardize the protocol and produce more consistent data using fewer animals per assay.

Thus, a simple, reliable, validated and governmental agency acceptable botulinum toxin activity assay that can evaluate the integrity of all the steps necessary in botulinum toxin uptake would be of significant value because such a non-animal based assay would alleviate the need for animal testing and all the disadvantages, costs and ethical concerns associated with this type of animal-based assay. Companion patent application Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531, provides novel compositions, cells, and methods for assaying the activity of a BoNT/A useful for various industries, such as, e.g., the pharmaceutical and food industries. Such compositions, cells, and methods do not use live animals or tissues taken from live animals, but can evaluate all the steps necessary for neurotoxin action, namely, binding and cellular uptake of toxin, translocation into the cell cytosol, and protease activity.

One of the necessary components for the methods disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531 is the use of cells from an established cell line that are susceptible to low levels of BoNT/A intoxication because the amount of BoNT/A contained within a commercially-available pharmaceutical composition is very low. For example, approximately 4-5 ng of a BoNT/A complex is contained in the pharmaceutical composition sold as BOTOX®. Thus, there is a need to identify and create established cell lines comprising cells that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication when only very low levels of the neurotoxin is present in the sample. The present specification provides novel cells and cell compositions. that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication when only very low amounts of BoNT/A is present and thus allow assaying of commercially-available pharmaceutical composition comprising BoNT/A.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the current paradigm of neurotransmitter release and Clostridial toxin intoxication in a central and peripheral neuron. FIG. 1A shows a schematic for the neurotransmitter release mechanism of a central and peripheral neuron. The release process can be described as comprising two steps: 1) vesicle docking, where the vesicle-bound SNARE protein of a vesicle containing neurotransmitter molecules associates with the membrane-bound SNARE proteins located at the plasma membrane; and 2) neurotransmitter release, where the vesicle fuses with the plasma membrane and the neurotransmitter molecules are exocytosed. FIG. 1B shows a schematic of the intoxication mechanism for tetanus and botulinum toxin activity in a central and peripheral neuron. This intoxication process can be described as comprising four steps: 1) receptor binding, where Clostridial toxin binding to a Clostridial receptor complex and initiates the intoxication process; 2) complex internalization, where after toxin binding, a vesicle containing a toxin/receptor system complex is endocytosed into the cell; 3) light chain translocation, where multiple events are thought to occur, including changes in the internal pH of the vesicle, formation of a channel pore comprising the H_(N) domain of Clostridial toxin heavy chain, separation of the Clostridial toxin light chain from the heavy chain, and release of the light chain and 4) enzymatic target modification, where the light chain of Clostridial toxin proteolytically cleaves its target SNARE substrates, such as, e.g., SNAP-25, VAMP or Syntaxin, thereby preventing vesicle docking and neurotransmitter release.

FIG. 2 shows volcano plots of genes that are more than 4-fold (log₂(4)=2) up or down regulated in BB10 and H1 cell lines as compared to the 2D6 cell line. FIG. 2A shows the genes that are up regulated in the BB10 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line. FIG. 2B shows the genes that are up regulated in the H1 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line. FIG. 2C shows the genes that are up regulated in the BB10 cell line as compared to the parental SiMa cell line (PA). FIG. 2D shows the genes that are up regulated in the H1 cell line as compared to the parental SiMa cell line (PA). FIG. 2E shows the genes that are up regulated in the parental SiMa cell line (PA) as compared to the 2D6 cell line. FIG. 2F shows the genes that are down regulated in the BB10 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line. FIG. 2G shows the genes that are down regulated in the H1 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line. FIG. 2H shows the genes that are down regulated in the parental SiMa cell line (PA) as compared to the 2D6 cell line. Each dot represents a probe set. The dashed line marks the 95% confidence interval, p 0.05. Most of the genes that are over expressed in BB10 and H1 compared to 2D6 (A and B) are also over or under-expressed in BB10 compared to PA (C), in H1 compared to PA (D), and in PA compared to 2D6 (E), however a number of them are less than 4-fold over-expressed and/or do not pass the 95% confidence interval.

FIG. 3 shows normalized BIAcore SPR curves of 7.8 nM of the antibodies 2E2A6, 1D3B8, 3C1A5 and 2C9B10 and commercial MC-6050 and MC-6053. FIG. 3A shows the normalized data for the on-rate of each antibody. FIG. 3B shows the normalized data for the off-rate of each antibody.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present specification provides novel cells and cell compositions that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication to allow assaying of BoNT/A and BoNT/A compositions such as, e.g., commercially-available pharmaceutical composition comprising BoNT/A. The cell and cell compositions disclosed in the present specification are useful to conduct methods that can detect picomolar quantities of BoNT/A in a sample, such as the methods disclosed in, e.g., Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The cells and cell compositions, and their use in methods of detecting BoNT/A activity reduce the need for animal toxicity studies, yet serve to analyze the multiple steps of BoNT/A intoxication, namely, binding and cellular uptake of toxin, translocation into the cell cytosol, and protease activity. As discussed further below, the novel cells and cell compositions of the present specification can be used in assays that analyze crude and bulk samples as well as highly purified di-chain toxins and formulated toxin products and further are amenable to automated high throughput assay formats.

Thus, aspects of the present specification provide a cell composition comprising cells from a clonal cell line that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication.

Other aspects of the present specification provide a method of detecting BoNT/A activity using the clonal cell lines disclosed in the present specification.

Clostridia toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium tetani, Clostridium baratii and Clostridium butyricum are the most widely used in therapeutic and cosmetic treatments of humans and other mammals. Strains of C. botulinum produce seven antigenically-distinct serotypes of botulinum toxins (BoNTs), which have been identified by investigating botulism outbreaks in man (BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/E and BoNT/F), animals (BoNT/C1 and BoNT/D), or isolated from soil (BoNT/G). While all seven botulinum toxin serotypes have similar structure and biological properties, each also displays heterogeneous characteristics, such as, e.g., different pharmacological properties. In contrast, tetanus toxin (TeNT) is produced by a uniform group of C. tetani. Two other species of Clostridia, C. baratii and C. butyricum, also produce toxins similar to BoNT/F and BoNT/E, respectively.

Clostridial toxins are each translated as a single chain polypeptide of approximately 150 kDa that is subsequently cleaved by proteolytic scission within a disulfide loop by a naturally-occurring protease, such as, e.g., an endogenous Clostridial toxin protease or a naturally-occurring protease produced in the environment. This posttranslational processing yields a di-chain molecule comprising an approximately 50 kDa light chain (LC) and an approximately 100 kDa heavy chain (HC) held together by a single disulfide bond and noncovalent interactions. Each mature di-chain molecule comprises three functionally distinct domains: 1) an enzymatic domain located in the LC that includes a metalloprotease region containing a zinc-dependent endopeptidase activity which specifically targets core components of the neurotransmitter release apparatus; 2) a translocation domain contained within the amino-terminal half of the HC (H_(N)) that facilitates release of the LC from intracellular vesicles into the cytoplasm of the target cell; and 3) a binding domain found within the carboxyl-terminal half of the HC (H_(C)) that determines the binding activity and binding specificity of the toxin to the receptor complex located at the surface of the target cell.

The binding, translocation and enzymatic activity of these three functional domains are all necessary for toxicity. While all details of this process are not yet precisely known, the overall cellular intoxication mechanism whereby Clostridial toxins enter a neuron and inhibit neurotransmitter release is similar, regardless of serotype or subtype. Although the applicants have no wish to be limited by the following description, the intoxication mechanism can be described as comprising at least four steps: 1) receptor binding, 2) complex internalization, 3) light chain translocation, and 4) enzymatic target modification (FIG. 1). The process is initiated when the H_(C) binding domain of a Clostridial toxin binds to a toxin-specific receptor system located on the plasma membrane surface of a target cell. The binding specificity of a receptor complex is thought to be achieved, in part, by specific combinations of gangliosides and protein receptors that appear to distinctly comprise each Clostridial toxin receptor complex. Once bound, the toxin/receptor complexes are internalized by endocytosis and the internalized vesicles are sorted to specific intracellular routes. The translocation step appears to be triggered by the acidification of the vesicle compartment. This process seems to initiate important pH-dependent structural rearrangements that increase hydrophobicity, promote pore formation, and facilitate separation of the heavy and light chains of the toxin. Once separated, the light chain endopeptidase of the toxin is released from the intracellular vesicle into the cytosol where it appears to specifically target core components of the neurotransmitter release apparatus. These core proteins, vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP)/synaptobrevin, synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) and Syntaxin, are necessary for synaptic vesicle docking and fusion at the nerve terminal and constitute members of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor-attachment protein-receptor (SNARE) family. BoNT/A and BoNT/E cleave SNAP-25 in the carboxyl terminal region, releasing a nine or twenty six amino acid fragment, respectively, and BoNT/C1 also cleaves SNAP-25 near the carboxyl terminus releasing an eight amino acid fragment. The botulinum serotypes BoNT/B, BoNT/D, BoNT/F and BoNT/G, and tetanus toxin, act on the conserved central portion of VAMP, and release the amino terminal portion of VAMP into the cytosol. BoNT/C1 cleaves syntaxin at a single site near the cytosolic membrane surface. The selective proteolysis of synaptic SNAREs accounts for the block of neurotransmitter release caused by Clostridial toxins in vivo. The SNARE protein targets of Clostridial toxins are common to exocytosis in a variety of non-neuronal types; in these cells, as in neurons, light chain peptidase activity inhibits exocytosis, see, e.g., Yann Humeau et al., How Botulinum and Tetanus Neurotoxins Block Neurotransmitter Release, 82(5) Biochimie. 427-446 (2000); Kathryn Turton et al., Botulinum and Tetanus Neurotoxins: Structure, Function and Therapeutic Utility, 27(11) Trends Biochem. Sci. 552-558. (2002); Giovanna Lalli et al., The Journey of Tetanus and Botulinum Neurotoxins in Neurons, 11(9) Trends Microbiol. 431-437, (2003).

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, a cell from an established cell line. As used herein, the term “cell” refers to any eukaryotic cell susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A or any eukaryotic cell that can uptake a BoNT/A. The term cell encompasses cells from a variety of organisms, such as, e.g., murine, rat, porcine, bovine, equine, primate and human cells; from a variety of cell types such as, e.g., neuronal and non-neuronal; and can be isolated from or part of a heterogeneous cell population, tissue or organism. As used herein, the term “established cell line” is synonymous with “immortal cell line,” or “transformed cell line” and refers to a cell culture of cells selected for indefinite propagation from a cell population derived from an organism, tissue, or organ source. By definition, an established cell line excludes a cell culture of primary cells. As used herein, the term “primary cells” are cells harvested directly from fresh tissues or organs and do not have the potential to propagate indefinitely. An established cell line can comprise a heterogeneous population of cells or a uniform population of cells. An established cell line derived from a single cell is referred to as a clonal cell line. An established cell line can be one whose cells endogenously express all component necessary for the cells to undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate and encompasses the binding of a BoNT/A to a BoNT/A receptor, the internalization of the neurotoxin/receptor complex, the translocation of the BoNT/A light chain from an intracellular vesicle into the cytoplasm and the proteolytic cleavage of a SNAP-25. Alternatively, an established cell line can be one whose cells have had introduced from an exogenous source at least one component necessary for the cells to undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate and encompasses the binding of a BoNT/A to a BoNT/A receptor, the internalization of the neurotoxin/receptor complex, the translocation of the BoNT/A light chain from an intracellular vesicle into the cytoplasm and the proteolytic cleavage of a SNAP-25. Also referred to as a genetically-engineered cell line, cells from such an established cell line may, e.g., express an exogenous FGFR2, an exogenous FGFR3, an exogenous SV2, an exogenous SNAP-25, or any combination thereof. As used herein, the term “established clonal cell line” or “clonal cell line” refers to a cell culture of cells selected from a heterogenous population of cell types comprising an established cell line, which can also be referred to as a parental cell line. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the cells from the A6, A7, A9, A10, A11, B5, B10, C5, C11, C12, D7, D11, E11, F10, H1, H3, H8, H10, 1E3, 2B9, 2E4, 3B8, 3D5, 3G10, 4B5, 4C8, 5F3, AC9, AF4, BB3, BB10, BE3, BF8, CC11, CD6, CE6, CG8, CG10, DC4, DD10, DE7, YF5, and H1 1.4 clonal cell lines were selected from the heterogenous population of cell types comprising the SiMa cell line (or parental SiMa cell line) DSMZ ACC 164.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, a cell from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication,” “cell(s) susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A,” or “cell(s) from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A” refer to cell(s) that can undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate and encompasses the binding of a BoNT/A to a BoNT/A receptor, the internalization of the neurotoxin/receptor complex, the translocation of the BoNT/A light chain from an intracellular vesicle into the cytoplasm and the proteolytic cleavage of a SNAP-25. By definition, cell(s) susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication must express, or be engineered to express, at least one BoNT/A receptor and at least one SNAP-25 substrate. Non-limiting examples of a cell or cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, include A6, A7, A9, A10, A11, B5, B10, C5, C11, C12, D7, D11, E11, F10, H1, H3, H8, H10, 1E3, 2B9, 2D2, 2D6, 2E4, 3B8, 3D5, 3G10, 4B5, 4C8, 4D3, 5C10, 5F3, AC9, AF4, BB3, BB10, BE3, BF8, CC11, CD6, CE6, CG8, CG10, DC4, DD10, DE7, DF5, YB7, YF5, and H1 1.4 clonal cell lines. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) that can uptake BoNT/A” or “cell(s) comprising an established clonal cell line that can uptake BoNT/A” refer to cells that can undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate and encompasses the binding of a BoNT/A to a BoNT/A receptor, the internalization of the neurotoxin/receptor complex, the translocation of the BoNT/A light chain from an intracellular vesicle into the cytoplasm and the proteolytic cleavage of a SNAP-25. By definition, cell(s) that can uptake BoNT/A must express, or be engineered to express, at least one BoNT/A receptor and at least one SNAP-25 substrate. Non-limiting examples of a cell or cells from an established clonal cell line that can uptake BoNT/A, include A6, A7, A9, A10, A11, B5, B10, C5, C11, C12, D7, D11, E11, F10, H1, H3, H8, H10, 1E3, 2B9, 2D2, 2D6, 2E4, 3B8, 3D5, 3G10, 4B5, 4C8, 4D3, 5C10, 5F3, AC9, AF4, BB3, BB10, BE3, BF8, CC11, CD6, CE6, CG8, CG10, DC4, DD10, DE7, DF5, YB7, YF5, and H1 1.4 clonal cell lines. Cell lines comprising cell(s) from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or cell(s) that can uptake BoNT/A are referred to as a “responder cell line.”

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, cells from an established clonal cell line more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication,” “cell(s) more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A,” or “cell(s) from an established clonal cell line more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A” refer to cell(s) that undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate to a greater degree as compared to a cell(s) comprising a parental SiMa cell line, such as, e.g., parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. Non-limiting examples of a cell or cells from an established clonal cell line more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, include a cell or cells from a A10, H1, 2E4, 3B8, 3D5, 5F3, AF4, BB3, BB10, DC4, or H1 1.4 clonal cell lines. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) that uptake BoNT/A more” or “cell(s) comprising an established clonal cell line that uptake BoNT/A more” refer to cells that undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate to a greater degree as compared to a cell(s) comprising a parental SiMa cell line, such as, e.g., parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. Non-limiting examples of a cell or cells from an established clonal cell line that can uptake BoNT/A more, include a cell or cells from a A10, H1, 2E4, 3B8, 3D5, 5F3, AF4, BB3, BB10, DC4, or H1 1.4 clonal cell lines. Cell lines comprising cell(s) from an established clonal cell line more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or cell(s) that can uptake BoNT/A more are referred to as a “high responder cell line.”

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, cells from an established clonal cell line less susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) less susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication,” “cell(s) less susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A,” or “cell(s) from an established clonal cell line less susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A” refer to cell(s) that undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate to a lesser degree as compared to a cell(s) comprising a parental SiMa cell line, such as, e.g., parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. Non-limiting examples of a cell or cells from an established clonal cell line less susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, include A7, B10, D11, H10, 2D2, 2D6, 4D3, 5C10, DF5, and YB7 clonal cell lines. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) that uptake BoNT/A less” or “cell(s) comprising an established clonal cell line that uptake BoNT/A less” refer to cells that undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate to a lesser degree as compared to a cell(s) comprising a parental SiMa cell line, such as, e.g., parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. Non-limiting examples of a cell or cells from an established clonal cell line that can uptake BoNT/A less, include A7, B10, D11, H10, 2D2, 2D6, 4D3, 5C10, DF5, and YB7 clonal cell lines. Cell lines comprising cell(s) from an established clonal cell line less susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or cell(s) that can uptake BoNT/A less are referred to as a “low responder cell line.”

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, a cell from an established clonal cell line not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication,” “cell(s) not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A,” or “cell(s) from an established clonal cell line not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by a BoNT/A” refer to cell(s) that cannot undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate. As used herein, the terms “cell(s) that cannot uptake BoNT/A” or “cell(s) comprising an established clonal cell line that cannot uptake BoNT/A” refer to cells that cannot undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate. Cell lines comprising cell(s) from an established clonal cell line not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or cell(s) that cannot uptake BoNT/A are referred to as a “non-responder cell line.”

Thus in an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 500 pM or less, about 400 pM or less, about 300 pM or less, about 200 pM or less, or about 100 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 90 pM or less, about 80 pM or less, about 70 pM or less, about 60 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 40 pM or less, about 30 pM or less, about 20 pM or less, or about 10 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In still other aspects, cells from an established clonal cell line are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 9 pM or less, about 8 pM or less, about 7 pM or less, about 6 pM or less, about 5 pM or less, about 4 pM or less, about 3 pM or less, about 2 pM or less, or about 1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In yet other aspects, cells from an established clonal cell line are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 0.9 pM or less, about 0.8 pM or less, about 0.7 pM or less, about 0.6 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, about 0.4 pM or less, about 0.3 pM or less, about 0.2 pM, or about 0.1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. As used herein, the term “about” when qualifying a value of a stated item, number, percentage, or term refers to a range of plus or minus ten percent of the value of the stated item, percentage, parameter, or term.

In another embodiment, cells comprising an established clonal cell line can uptake a BoNT/A. In aspects of this embodiment, cells comprising an established clonal cell line can uptake, e.g., about 500 pM or less, about 400 pM or less, about 300 pM or less, about 200 pM or less, or about 100 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells comprising an established clonal cell line possess the ability to uptake about 90 pM or less, about 80 pM or less, about 70 pM or less, about 60 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 40 pM or less, about 30 pM or less, about 20 pM or less, or about 10 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In still other aspects, cells comprising an established clonal cell line possess the ability to uptake about 9 pM or less, about 8 pM or less, about 7 pM or less, about 6 pM or less, about 5 pM or less, about 4 pM or less, about 3 pM or less, about 2 pM or less, or about 1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In yet other aspects, cells comprising an established clonal cell line possess the ability to uptake about 0.9 pM or less, about 0.8 pM or less, about 0.7 pM or less, about 0.6 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, about 0.4 pM or less, about 0.3 pM or less, about 0.2 pM or less, or about 0.1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In other aspects, cells comprising an established clonal cell line can uptake BoNT/A from, e.g., about 0.01 pM to about 100 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 75 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 50 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 25 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 20 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 15 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 10 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 5 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 100 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 75 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 50 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 25 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 20 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 15 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 10 pM, or about 0.001 pM to about 5 pM of BoNT/A.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 500 pM or less, about 400 pM or less, about 300 pM or less, about 200 pM or less, or about 100 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 90 pM or less, about 80 pM or less, about 70 pM or less, about 60 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 40 pM or less, about 30 pM or less, about 20 pM or less A, or about 10 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In still other aspects, cells from an established clonal cell line are not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 9 pM or less, about 8 pM or less, about 7 pM or less, about 6 pM or less, about 5 pM or less, about 4 pM or less, about 3 pM or less, about 2 pM or less, or about 1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In yet other aspects, cells from an established clonal cell line are not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by, e.g., about 0.9 pM or less, about 0.8 pM or less, about 0.7 pM or less, about 0.6 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, about 0.4 pM or less, about 0.3 pM or less, about 0.2 pM, or about 0.1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In other aspects, cells from an established clonal cell line are not susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication from, e.g., about 0.01 pM to about 100 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 75 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 50 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 25 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 20 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 15 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 10 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 5 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 100 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 75 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 50 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 25 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 20 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 15 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 10 pM, or about 0.001 pM to about 5 pM of BoNT/A.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication that are more stable than cells from a parental SiMa cell line, such as, e.g., parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. As used herein, the term “stable” refers to cells from an established clonal cell line for a particular passage number that exhibit a relative EC₅₀, sensitivity, efficacy, well-defined upper asymptote, and/or a well-defined dose-response curve for BoNT/A activity that is similar to the values for relative EC₅₀, sensitivity, efficacy, well-defined upper asymptote, and/or a well-defined dose-response curve exhibited by cells from a parental SiMa cell line, such as, e.g., parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164, at the same or similar passage number, where the same assay conditions and the same BoNT/A (or molecule) are used in both assays.

Thus in an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are more stable as compared to a parental SiMa cell line. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are more stable as compared to the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are more stable for, e.g., at least 5 more passages, at least 10 more passages, at least 15 more passages, at least 20 more passages, at least 25 more passages, or at least 30 more passages, as compared to a parental SiMa cell line. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are more stable for, e.g., at least 5 more passages, at least 10 more passages, at least 15 more passages, at least 20 more passages, at least 25 more passages, or at least 30 more passages, as compared to a parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication that are stable over a plurality of cell passages. As used herein, the term “stable” refers to cells from an established clonal cell line for a particular passage number that exhibit a relative EC₅₀, sensitivity, efficacy, well-defined upper asymptote, and/or a well-defined dose-response curve for BoNT/A activity that is similar to the values for relative EC₅₀, sensitivity, efficacy, well-defined upper asymptote, and/or a well-defined dose-response curve exhibited by cells from the same established clonal cell line, but from a prior passage or passages, where the same assay conditions and the same BoNT/A (or molecule) are used in both assays.

Cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification can exhibit consistent sensitivity to BoNT/A activity over a plurality of cell passages. As used herein, the term “sensitivity to BoNT/A activity” refers to the lowest dose that an assay can measure consistently above the signal detected by a non-treatment control or background signal.

Thus, in an embodiment, cells from the established clonal cell line exhibit a sensitivity for BoNT/A activity for any given passages that is e.g., 100 pM or less, about 80 pM or less, about 70 pM or less, about 60 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 40 pM or less, about 30 pM or less, about 20 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, about 1 pM or less, about 0.9 pM or less, about 0.8 pM or less, about 0.7 pM or less, about 0.6 pM or less, about 0.5 pM or less, about 0.4 pM or less, about 0.3 pM or less, about 0.2 pM or less, or about 0.1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from the established clonal cell line exhibit a sensitivity for BoNT/A activity for any given passages that is, e.g., about 0.01 pM to about 100 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 75 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 50 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 25 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 20 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 15 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 10 pM, about 0.01 pM to about 5 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 100 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 75 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 50 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 25 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 20 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 15 pM, about 0.001 pM to about 10 pM, or about 0.001 pM to about 5 pM of BoNT/A.

In another embodiment, cells from the established clonal cell line exhibit a sensitivity for BoNT/A activity that is about 100 pM or less, about 75 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 25 pM or less, less about 20 pM or less, about 15 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, or about 1 pM or less for, e.g., 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, or 50 or more cell passages. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from the established clonal cell line exhibit a sensitivity for BoNT/A activity that is about 100 pM or less, about 75 pM or less, about 50 pM or less, about 25 pM or less, less about 20 pM or less, about 15 pM or less, about 10 pM or less, or about 1 pM or less for, e.g., about 15 to about 60 passages, about 20 to about 60 passages, about 25 to about 60 passages, about 30 to about 60 passages, about 35 to about 60 passages, about 40 to about 60 passages, about 45 to about 60 passages, about 50 to about 60 passages, about 15 to about 50 passages, about 20 to about 50 passages, about 25 to about 50 passages, about 30 to about 50 passages, about 35 to about 50 passages, about 40 to about 50 passages, about 15 to about 40 passages, about 20 to about 40 passages, about 25 to about 40 passages, or about 30 to about 40 passages.

Cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification can exhibit a consistent relative efficacy of BoNT/A uptake, BoNT/A activity, or BoNT/A intoxication over a plurality of cell passages. As used herein, the term “relative efficacy” refers to how well the upper asymptote for the BoNT/A activity detected in the current assay run compares to the upper asymptote for the BoNT/A activity detected in a reference standard, a reference molecule, or a reference passage number used on that assay. As used herein, the term “signal to noise ratio for the upper asymptote” refers to the signal detected in an assay at the upper limit of detection divided by the signal detected by a non-treatment control or background signal. The upper limit of detection is the highest dose that an assay can measure consistently before saturation of the signal occurs.

Thus, in an embodiment, cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification can exhibit a well defined upper asymptote over a plurality of cell passages and maintain a signal to noise ratio that is consistent and adequate for the assay. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification must have a signal to noise ratio for the upper asymptote for BoNT/A activity of, e.g., at least 3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 8:1, at least 9:1, at least 10:1, at least 15:1, at least 20:1, at least 25:1, at least 30:1, at least 35:1, at least 40:1, at least 45:1, at least 50:1, at least 60:1, at least 70:1, at least 80:1, at least 90:1, or at least 100:1, at least 150:1, at least 200:1, at least 250:1, at least 300:1, at least 350:1, at least 400:1, at least 450:1, at least 500:1, at least 550:1, or at least 600:1, over, e.g., 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, or 50 or more cell passages. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification must have a signal to noise ratio for the upper asymptote for BoNT/A activity of, e.g., at least 3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 8:1, at least 9:1, at least 10:1, at least 15:1, at least 20:1, at least 25:1, at least 30:1, at least 35:1, at least 40:1, at least 45:1, at least 50:1, at least 60:1, at least 70:1, at least 80:1, at least 90:1, or at least 100:1, at least 150:1, at least 200:1, at least 250:1, at least 300:1, at least 350:1, at least 400:1, at least 450:1, at least 500:1, at least 550:1, or at least 600:1, over, e.g., about 15 to about 60 passages, about 20 to about 60 passages, about 25 to about 60 passages, about 30 to about 60 passages, about 35 to about 60 passages, about 40 to about 60 passages, about 45 to about 60 passages, about 50 to about 60 passages, about 15 to about 50 passages, about 20 to about 50 passages, about 25 to about 50 passages, about 30 to about 50 passages, about 35 to about 50 passages, about 40 to about 50 passages, about 15 to about 40 passages, about 20 to about 40 passages, about 25 to about 40 passages, or about 30 to about 40 passages.

Cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification can exhibit a well defined dose-response curve for BoNT/A activity over a plurality of cell passages. As used herein, the term “dose-response curve” refers to the how well the raw data fits the statistical model of choice for that assay. As a non-limiting example, a sigmoidal curve with a four parameter logistics fit is a dose-response curve for an enzymatic activity assay, such as, e.g., a potency assay. As another non-limiting example, a ligand binding with one site saturation fit is a dose-response curve for a ligand/antibody binding assay.

Thus, in an embodiment, cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification exhibit a well defined dose-response curve for BoNT/A activity over a plurality of cell passages. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification exhibit a well defined dose-response curve for BoNT/A activity over, e.g., 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, or 50 or more cell passages. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification exhibit a well defined dose-response curve for BoNT/A activity over, e.g., about 15 to about 60 passages, about 20 to about 60 passages, about 25 to about 60 passages, about 30 to about 60 passages, about 35 to about 60 passages, about 40 to about 60 passages, about 45 to about 60 passages, about 50 to about 60 passages, about 15 to about 50 passages, about 20 to about 50 passages, about 25 to about 50 passages, about 30 to about 50 passages, about 35 to about 50 passages, about 40 to about 50 passages, about 15 to about 40 passages, about 20 to about 40 passages, about 25 to about 40 passages, or about 30 to about 40 passages.

Cells from an established cell line disclosed in the present specification can exhibit a consistent relative EC₅₀ value for BoNT/A activity over a plurality of cell passages. As used herein, the term “relative EC₅₀” or “relative EC₅₀ value” refers to an EC₅₀ value of BoNT/A activity that is normalized against the EC₅₀ calculated for a reference standard, a reference molecule, or a reference passage number used on that assay.

Thus, in an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line exhibit a consistent relative EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity over a plurality of cell passages. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line exhibit a consistent relative EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity that is, e.g., about ±10%, about ±20%, about ±30%, about ±40%, about ±50%, about 60%, about 70%, or about ±75%, the relative EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity over, e.g., 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, or 50 or more cell passages. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line exhibit a relative EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity that is, e.g., about ±10% to about 75%, about ±10% to about 70%, about ±10% to about 60%, about ±10% to about 50%, about ±10% to about 40%, about ±10% to about 30%, or about ±10% to about 20% the relative EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity over, e.g., 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, or 50 or more cell passages.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication that exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 5, 6, 7, or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 5, 6, 7, or 8 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a difference in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 5, 6, 7, or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet other aspects, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a difference in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 5, 6, 7, or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. The log ratio in Tables 5, 6, 7, and 8 represent log₂ values where 0.585 is log₂(1.5) which is a 1.5-fold difference, 1 is log₂(2) which is a 2-fold difference, 1.584 is log₂(3) which is a 3-fold difference, 2 is log₂(4) which is a 4-fold difference, 2.321 is log₂(5) which is a 5-fold difference, 2.584 is log₂(6) which is a 6-fold difference, 2.807 is log₂(7) which is a 7-fold difference, 3 is log₂(8) which is a 8-fold difference, 3.169 is log₂(9) which is a 9-fold difference, and 3.321 is log₂(10) which is a 10-fold difference.

In an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 of, e.g., at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet other aspects, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ACO1, ACOT7, ACOT9, ACTL6A, ACTL6B, ADRBK2, AGPS, AIDA, AKAP13, ALCAM, ALDH7A1, AMOTL1, ANAPC7, ANKRD13A, ANKRD54, ANKS1B, ANLN, ANP32E, ANXA6, APAF1, APBB2, APOO, ARF3, ARHGAP11A, ARHGAP24, ARHGAP24, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF3, ARHGEF6, ARL13B, ARL6, ARL6IP1, ASCL1, ASF1A, ASF1B, ASXL3, ATAD2, ATP6V1A, AURKA, AURKB, BARD1, BASP1, BAX, BCL11A, BCR, BNC2, BOK, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRD4, BRI3BP, BRIP1, BTBD3, BTG3, BUB1, BUB1B, BUB3, BVES, C10ORF58, C10ORF78, C11ORF75, C12ORF48, C12ORF49, C14ORF106, C14ORF143, C15ORF23, C15ORF42, C18ORF54, C1ORF112, C1ORF183, C1ORF43, C1QL1, C20ORF108, C20ORF20, C20ORF7, C20ORF72, C22ORF28, C22ORF29, C22ORF39, C3ORF14, C3ORF70, C4ORF46, C4ORF49, C5ORF32, C6ORF115, C9ORF100, CARHSP1, CBLB, CBWD1, CBX5, CCDC109B, CCDC117, CCDC15, CCDC21, CCDC3, CCDC34, CCDC52, CCDC86, CCDC99, CCNB1, CCNE2, CCNF, CCNYL1, CD24, CD47, CD9, CDC2, CDC25B, CDC42EP4, CDC45L, CDC5L, CDC6, CDCA2, CDCA4, CDCA5, CDCA7, CDCA8, CDH2, CDK2, CDK2AP1, CDK6, CDKAL1, CDKN2C, CDKN2D, CDO1, CDS2, CECR5, CELSR3, CENPF, CENPH), CENPI, CENPJ, CENPK, CENPL, CENPM, CENPN, CENPO, CEP135, CEP152, CEP55, CEP78, CEP97, CHAF1A, CHD6, CHEK1, CHEK2, CHMP4B, CHRNA3, CHRNA7, CHST15, CIT, CKAP2, CKAP2L, CKLF, CKS1B, CLDND1, CLSTN2, CMTM7, CNN3, CNOT4, CNP, CNTN1, CNTN4, COBLL1, COQ3, CPNE4, CPT1A, CPVL, CRISPLD1, CRTAC1, CRYBG3, CRYZ, CSE1L, CSRP2, CSRP2BP, CSTF1, CTDSPL2, CTNNBL1, CTSL2, CUGBP2, CXCR4, CYTSA, DACT1, DAZ1, DBF4B, DBH, DCLRE1B, DCPS, DDAH2, DDT, DEK, DENR, DEPDC1, DEPDC1B, DERA, DGCR14, DGKE, DHX15, DHX35, DIAPH1, DIAPH3, DKFZP434L187, DLEU2, DLGAP5, DLL3, DLX6, DNA2, DNM3, DNMT3B, DOCK10, DOK4, DOK5, DPF1, DPYD, DPYSL3, DRAM1, DRG1, DSCC1, DSN1, DTL, DTNBP1, DTYMK, DVL2, DYNLT3, DYRK4, E2F1, E2F2, E2F7, E2F8, EAF2, EBF1, ECT2, EFNA5, EFNB2, ELAVL4, ELOVL7, EME1, EMILIN2, EMILIN3, EML1, ENC1, EPB41L5, EPOR, ERCC6L, ESCO2, ESF1, ESPL1, ETS1, ETV1, EXO1, EXO05, EXOSC6, EXPH5, EZH2, FAM101B, FAM105A, FAM110A, FAM114A1, FAM118A, FAM120C, FAM129B, FAM13A, FAM162B, FAM181B, FAM19A4, FAM19A5, FAM54A, FAM64A, FAM7A3, FAM83D, FANCG, FANCI, FANCL, FANCM, FARP1, FAT1, FBLN1, FBN1, FBP1, FBXO43, FBXO5, FEN1, FGFR2, FH, FIGNL1, FKBP5, FNDC5, FOXD1, FOXN3, FRMD6, FRZB, FSTL1, FZD2, FZD5, FZD8, G2E3, GABBR2, GAP43, GAP43, GAS2L3, GATM, GEMIN4, GFPT2, GFRA1, GFRA2, GGCX, GINS1, GINS3, GJC1, GLDC, GMNN, GNAI1, GNASAS, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GNG4, GPAM, GPN3, GPR125, GPR161, GPSM2, GPX3, GRP, GSG2, GSS, GSTCD, GTSE1, GTSF1, GXYLT1, H1F0, H2AFX, HAT1, HAUS6, HDAC8, HEG1, HES6, HGF, HIC2, HMG4L, HMGB1, HMGB2, HMGB3, HMGXB4, HMMR, HOOK3, HPS4, HRH3, HS3ST2, HS6ST2, HSPB11, HTATSF1, IDH2, IFI27L1, IQGAP1, ITGA6, ITGAV, ITGB5, ITPRIP, JARID2, KCNG3, KCNJ8, KCNN1, KCTD12, KDELC2, KHDRBS3, KIAA0101, KIAA0406, KIAA1211, KIAA1524, KIF11, KIF14, KIF16B, KIF18A, KIF23, KIFC1, KLF7, KLHL13, KLHL5, KNTC1, KPNA2, LBH, LGR5, LHFPL2, LIFR, LIG3, LMF2, LMNB1, LOC100127983, LOC100128844, LOC100288551, LOC340109, LOC344595, LOC440288, LOC642597, LOC728052, LPAR1, LRFN2, LRRC1, LSM4, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MAGEH1, MANIA1, MAN2A1, MAOA, MAP3K13, MAPK11, MAPK12, MAPKAPK3, MASTL, MBD2, MCAM, MCM10, MCM3, MCM4, MCM5, MCM6, MCM7, MCM8, MDC1, MDM1, MED20, MEIS1, MEIS2, MELK, MEST, MFAP2, MGAT5B, MINA, MKI67, MKL1, MLF1IP, MMD, MNS1, MPHOSPH9, MPP5, MPPED2, MRC2, MRPL35, MRPL49, MRS2, MSN, MTF2, MTHFD1, MTUS1, MVK, MYBL1, MYBL2, MYD88, MYO1B, MYO6, MYST1, NAAA, NAGA, NANP, NARG1, NASP, NAT11, NAT13, NCAPD3, NCAPG, NCAPG2, NCAPH, NCAPH2, NDN, NEDD1, NEDD9, NEIL3, NELL2, NFIB, NOC4L, NOS1, NR3C1, NRG3, NRM, NRXN1, NSMCE4A, NTAN1, NUCKS1, NUDT1, NUF2, NUP107, NUP37, NUP43, NUP50, NUP93, NUSAP1, NXPH1, NXT2, ODZ3, ODZ4, OIP5, ORC1L, ORC6L, OSBPL3, PAILS, PANK2, PARP3, PASK, PBK, PCDH17, PCDH8, PCGF5, PCNA, PDCL, PDE5A, PDLIM5, PDRG1, PEG3, PELI2, PELO, PEX13, PEX26, PFKFB3, PGAM5, PGM2, PHF19, PHF20, PHF21B, PHF5A, PHLPP1, PHYHIPL, PI4KA, PIP4K2A, PIR, PKMYT1, PLCL2, PLD5, PLEKHF2, PLK2, PLK4, PLS3, PLXNA2, PLXNA4, PLXNB2, PM20D2, POLA1, POLA2, POLE, POLE2, POLQ, POSTN, PPAP2B, PPAT, PPIF, PPIL5, PPM1F, PPP1R13B, PPP1R3C, PPP2R2B, PPP3CB, PRIM1, PRIM2, PRLHR, PRPS1, PRSS12, PSMA7, PSMC31P, PSMD5, PSMD9, PSRC1, PTER, PTGES2, PTGFRN, PTGR1, PTPRE, PTPRG, PTPRK, PTPRM, PTTG1, PVRL3, PXMP4, PXN, RAB35, RAB3B, RAD18, RAD51, RAD51C, RALY, RAN, RANBP1, RANGAP1, RASEF, RBBP7, RBBP9, RBL1, RBPMS, RBX1, RECQL4, REEP1, RELB, RELL1, REXO2, RFC1, RFC2, RFC3, RFC4, RFC5, RGMA, RGS5, RILPL2, RIMBP2, RMI1, RNASEH2A, RNF182, RNF26, RNF34, RPA1, RPP30, RRM1, RRM2, RRP7A, RSRC1, S1PR3, SALL4, SAP30, SASS6, SBF2, SCD5, SCML1, SCML2, SDC1, SEC23A, SEC61A2, SELM, SEMA6A, SEMA6D, SESN3, SEZ6L, SF11, SFRP1, SGOL2, SH3D19, SHCBP1, SHMT1, SHOX2, SIM1, SIVA1, SKA1, SKA2, SKA3, SKP2, SLC25A10, SLC26A2, SLC2A4RG, SLC2A8, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SLC8A1, SLCO3A1, SLIT3, SLITRK5, SLK, SLMO2, SMC1A, SMC2, SMC4, SMC6, SMO, SMYD5, SNAI2, SNAP29, SNCAIP, SNRPD3, SNX18, SNX5, SORD, SOX4, SPAG6, SPARC, SPATS2L, SPC24, SPC25, SPOCK1, SPSB4, SRGAP1, SRRD, SRRM4, SSH2, ST8SIA1, ST8SIA2, ST8SIA4, STARD4, STIL, STK17A, STMN3, STOM, STON2, STRA6, SUSD5, SUV39H1, SVIP, SYN2, SYNE2, SYNM, SYT17, SYTL4, TBC1D1, TBX3, TCF19, TCF7L2, TCFL5, TDRKH, TEAD3, TESL, TFDP1, TFDP2, TFPI2, TH1L, THOC4, TIFA, TIMP3, TLE3, TLE4, TMCC3, TMEM107, TMEM132C, TMEM151B, TMEM170B, TMEM178, TMEM194A, TMEM38B, TMEM48, TMEM56, TMEM98, TMPO, TMSB15B, TNFAIP8, TOB2, TOMM34, TPBG, TPTE, TPX2, TRIM29, TRIM36, TRIM68, TRIM9, TRIP13, TROAP, TSHZ3, TSPAN14, TSPAN4, TSPAN5, TTC28, TTC9, TUBA1B, TUBB, TWIST1, TXNRD1, TYMS, TYRO3, UBE2C, UBE2L3, UBE2V1, UBE3B, UCK1, UCP2, UFD1L, UHRF1, UNC119B, UNG, UQCC, USP1, USP48, UTP18, VAPB, VAV3, VPS29, VSTM2L, WDHD1, WDR51A, WDR53, WDR62, WDR67, WEE1, WEE1, WHSC1, WRAP53, WWC3, XRCC4, XRCC6, ZAK, ZFHX4, ZFP82, ZGPAT, ZNF215, ZNF217, ZNF238, ZNF253, ZNF280B, ZNF367, ZNF43, ZNF443, ZNF503, ZNF521, ZNF560, ZNF608, ZNF626, ZNF681, ZNF71, ZNF823, ZNF85, ZNF92, ZNF93, and/or ZWINT, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ACOT9, ALCAM, ANLN, ARHGAP24, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF3, ARHGEF6, ASCL1, ASF1B, ATAD2, AURKA, AURKB, BARD1, BASP1, BNC2, BRCA2, BRIP1, BTG3, BUB1, BUB1B, BVES, C11ORF75, C12ORF48, C14ORF106, C15ORF42, C18ORF54, C1ORF112, C3ORF70, C4ORF49, CCDC109B, CCDC3, CCNB1, CCNE2, CD9, CDC2, CDC25B, CDC45L, CDC6, CDCA2, CDCA5, CDCA8, CDK2, CDKN2D, CENPF, CENPI, CENPL, CENPN, CEP55, CHEK1, CHEK2, CHRNA7, CIT, CKAP2L, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CNTN4, CPVL, CRYBG3, CSRP2, CTSL2, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DAZ1, DEPDC1, DEPDC1B, DIAPH3, DLGAP5, DNA2, DOK5, DPYD, DPYSL3, DSCC1, DSN1, DTL, DYNLT3, E2F1, E2F2, E2F7, E2F8, ECT2, EFNB2, ELOVL7, EME1, EMILIN2, EMILIN3, EML1, ENC1, ERCC6L, ESCO2, ESPL1, ETV1, EXO1, EXPH5, FAM101B, FAM114A1, FAM54A, FAM64A, FAM7A3, FAM83D, FANCI, FAT1, FBLN1, FBP1, FBXO43, FGFR2, FNDC5, FOXD1, FRMD6, FRZB, FZD5, GAS2L3, GFRA2, GINS1, GINS3, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GPSM2, GRP, GTSE1, GTSF1, HGF, HMMR, HS3ST2, ITGA6, ITPRIP, KCNG3, KCTD12, KDELC2, KIAA0101, KIAA1524, KIF11, KIF14, KIF18A, KIF23, KIFC1, LOC340109, LOC642597, LOC728052, LOC728052, LPAR1, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MCM10, MCM5, MELK, MINA, MK167, MLF11P, MPPED2, MRC2, MSN, MYBL1, MYBL2, MYO6, NCAPG, NCAPH, NDN, NEDD9, NEIL3, NR3Cl, NRXN1, NUF2, NUSAP1, OIP5, ORC1L, OSBPL3, PBK, PCGF5, PDE5A, PEG3, PELO, PFKFB3, PHLPP1, PLD5, PLK2, PLK4, PLS3, POLA2, POLE2, POLQ, PPAP2B, PPP1R3C, PRLHR, PRSS12, PSRC1, PTGR1, PTPRE, PTPRK, PTPRM, PTTG1, PVRL3, RAD51, RBL1, RBPMS, RELL1, RFC5, RGMA, RGS5, RNF182, RRM2, S1PR3, SGOL2, SHCBP1, SHOX2, SIM1, SKA1, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SLITRK5, SMC2, SMC6, SPAG6, SPARC, SPC24, SPC25, ST8SIA4, STK17A, SUSD5, SYN2, SYNM, SYT17, TCF19, TESC, TFDP2, TFPI2, TIMP3, TLE3, TMEM132C, TMEM178, TNFAIP8, TPBG, TPTE, TPX2, TRIM29, TRIM36, TRIM68, TROAP, TWIST1, TYMS, UBE2C, UBE3B, UHRF1, WDHD1, WDR51A, WDR67, WEE1, ZFP82, ZNF367, ZNF521, and/or ZWINT, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ALCAM, ANLN, ARHGAP24, ARHGAP6, ASCL1, ASF1B, ATAD2, AURKA, AURKB, BARD1, BASP1, BNC2, BRIP1, BUB1, BVES, C11ORF75, C12ORF48, C14ORF106, C18ORF54, C3ORF70, CCDC109B, CCDC3, CD9, CDC2, CDC45L, CDCA2, CDCA8, CDK2, CENPL, CEP55, CHEK2, CHRNA7, CKAP2L, CNTN1, CRYBG3, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DAZ1, DEPDC1, DIAPH3, DLGAP5, DOK5, DPYD, DTL, DYNLT3, E2F1, E2F7, E2F8, EFNB2, ELOVL7, EMILIN2, EML1, ENC1, ESPL1, ETV1, EXO1, EXPH5, FAM54A, FAM64A, FAM7A3, FAM83D, FANCI, FAT1, FBLN1, FBXO43, FGFR2, FZD5, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GPSM2, GRP, GTSE1, GTSF1, HGF, HMMR, ITGA6, ITPRIP, KCTD12, KDELC2, KIF11, KIF14, KIF18A, KIF23, KIFC1, LOC340109, LOC728052, LPAR1, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MCM10, MELK, MINA, MKI67, MSN, MYBL1, NCAPH, NDN, NEDD9, NEIL3, NRXN1, NUF2, NUSAP1, OIP5, ORC1L, OSBPL3, PBK, PCGF5, PEG3, PEG3, PHLPP1, PLD5, PLK2, PLK4, PLS3, POLE2, PPAP2B, PPP1R3C, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTPRE, PTPRK, PTPRM, RBPMS, RELL1, RGS5, RNF182, RRM2, S1PR3, SGOL2, SHCBP1, SHOX2, SIM1, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SLITRK5, SMC6, SPAG6, SPARC, SPC24, SPC25, ST8SIA4, STK17A, SYT17, TFPI2, TIMP3, TMEM132C, TMEM178, TPBG, TPTE, TPX2, TRIM36, TWIST1, UBE3B, and/or ZNF367, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ARHGAP24, ARHGAP6, ASCL1, ASF1B, ATAD2, AURKA, BARD1, BASP1, BNC2, BUB1, BVES, C11ORF75, CCDC3, CHEK2, CHRNA7, CKAP2L, CNTN1, CRYBG3, CUGBP2, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DAZ1, DEPDC1, DIAPH3, DLGAP5, DOK5, DPYD, DTL, DYNLT3, E2F8, EFNB2, ELOVL7, ENC1, EXPH5, FAM7A3, FANCI, FAT1, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GRP, GTSE1, GTSF1, HMMR, ITGA6, ITPRIP, KCTD12, KDELC2, LOC728052, LPAR1, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MCM10, MELK, MINA, MKI67, MSN, MYBL1, NDN, NEDD9, NRXN1, OSBPL3, PEG3, PLK2, PLS3, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTPRK, PTPRM, RBPMS, RGS5, RNF182, RRM2, SGOL2, SIM1, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPAG6, SPARC, STK17A, TFPI2, TIMP3, TMEM132C, TMEM178, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ATAD2, C11ORF82, CDC45L, CNTN1, CNTN4, Cyclin A, Cyclin E, E2F1, E2F2, E2F7, ELOVL7, EME1, FGFR, FGFR2, KIAA1524, MELK, MYBL1, MYBL2, NDC80, NDN, ORC1L, PLS3, PRIMA1, RAD54L, RBL1, RBPMS, RRM2, S1PR3, SCLY, SLCIA3, SPC24, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TFDP1, TFP12, TK1, TMEM35, TTK, TWIST1, TYMS, TYK, and/or ZWINT, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from AURKB, BIRC5, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1,BUB1B, CD9, DLGAP3, DYNLT3, ENC1, FBLN1, FOXM1, Gβy, GNAI1, GNG11, GNG12, GPSM2, GUCY1B3, HGF, ITGA6, JNK, KCNJ5, KIF18A, KITLG, MMD, MSN, MYRIP, NEK2, NR3Cl, NXPH1, OSBPL3, PKMYT1, PTPRM, RAD51, RAD51AP1, SLC7A2, SLC43A3, SMC6, SNAI2, SNCAIP, SSH2, STK17A, SYNPO2, TOP2A, TPTE, TRAF4, TSPAN, TSPAN4, UBE3, UBE3B, and/or VAV3, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ALCAM, AURKA, CHEK, CIT, CSRP2, E2F, ECT2, EFNB2, ERK, ESPL1, GNAI, GPR161, HMMR, KIF4A, KIF14, KIF15, KIF22, KIF23, KIFC1, LPAR1, MK167, OIP5, PHLPP, PP1/PP2A, PPP1R3C, PRC1, PTTG1, RACGAP, RB, RGS5, SDC2, and/or TPX2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ASCL1, HES6, MAPK, NMU, PEG3, PTPRK, PRLHR, PTPRK, SGOL2, SPARC, and/or ZNF217, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ASF1B, BASP1, CHAF1A, NCAPH, PBK, PRAME, SMC2, UHRF1, and/or VRK1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from C14ORF106, CEP72, KIF20A, PCNA, PEX13, PFCS, POLQ, SPAGS, SYTL4, TROAP, and/or WDR51A, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In a further embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ANLN, ARHGAP24, ASPM, BUB1, CCDC99, CEP55, CKAP2, DRAM, E2F8, PLXNA2, SLC16A10, UBE2C, UBE2S, and/or WDHD1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ARHGEF3, CTSL2, DIAPH3, FBP1, KIF2C, KIF11, PFKFB3, and/or PLK4, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ARHGEF3, CTSL2, DIAPH3, FBP1, KIF2C, KIF11, PFKFB3, and/or PLK4, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from FNDC5, HSPC159, MAB21L2, SLITRK5, SYN2, and/or ZNF367, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In a further another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from EXO1, KCTD12, MYO6, PHEBL1, SHCBP1, TPBG, and/or TUBB6, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BTG3, GABRAS, TR1P10, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BNC2, DPYD, EMILIN2, PPILS, and/or TACC3, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT9, ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, C3ORF70, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CD9, CDCA7L, CDK2, CENPL, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CSRP2, CTSL2, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DIAPH3, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FAM101B, FBLN1, FGFR2, FNDC5, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GPR177, GTSE1, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MCM10, MINA, MSN, MYO6, MYRIP, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTGR1, PTPRK, PVRL3, RAB32, RBPMS, SDC2, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TMEM178, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, TWIST1, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, BVES, C11ORF75, CDCA7L, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GTSE1, GTSF1, ITPRIP, KDELC2, LOC728052, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTPRK, RBPMS, RNF182, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, TFPI2, TMEM178, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ASCL1, BASP1, DOK5, DPYD, GNB4, GNG11, GTSF1, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRSS12, RNF182, SLC44A5, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, CD9, CDK2, CSRP2, CTSL2, DIAPH3, DOK5, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MCM10, MSN, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PTPRK, RAB32, SDC2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, and/or TWIST1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ASCL1, BARD1, DOK5, DYNLT3, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, LPAR1, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PTPRK, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ASCL1, DOK5, GNB4, GNG11, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT9, BASP1, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CDCA7L, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DPYD, FAM101B, FNDCS, GTSE1, MAOA, MINA, MYO6, MYRIP, PLK2, PRLHR, PVRL3, RBPMS, SGOL2, SMC2, TFP12, TMEM178, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BASP1, C11ORF75, CDCA7L, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DPYD, GTSE1, MAOA, MINA, PLK2, PRLHR, RBPMS, SGOL2, TFPI2, and/or TMEM178, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BASP1, DPYD, MAOA, MINA, PLK2, and/or TFPI2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In a further embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from C3ORF70, MAB21L2, PRSS12, CENPL, GPR177, and/or PTGR1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from MAB21L2 and/or PRSS12, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a 2D6 cell line. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a 2D6 cell line. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a decrease in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an decrease in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from AATK, ABCA2, ABCC5, ABCC8, ABR, ABTB1, ACOT1, ACRBP, ACRV1, ACYP2, ADARB1, ADCY1, ADM, AFF1, AGAP4, AGPAT3, AGXT2L2, AHI1, AKAP9, AKIRIN1, AKT2, AMH, ANK2, ANK3, ANKHD1, ANKRD17, ANKRD50, ANKS1A, AQP1, ARF1, ARHGAP1, ARHGAP23, ARL17A, ASAM, ASPHD1, ATP2B3, ATP2B3, ATP6V0A1, ATP8B2, ATP9A, BACE1, BACH2, BLZF1, BPTF, BRUNOL4, BRUNOL5, BRWD1, BRWD2, BTBD18, BTN3A3, BZRAP1, C14ORF159, C15ORF24, C15ORF57, C16ORF52, C17ORF28, C1ORF21, C1ORF21, C1ORF50, C21ORF57, C21ORF59, C21ORF66, C2CD2, C2CD4A, C2ORF60, C2ORF68, C3ORF23, C4ORF41, C5ORF42, C6ORF154, C6ORF52, C7ORF28B, C7ORF54, C9ORF150, C9ORF68, CACNA1D, CALY, CAMK2B, CAMK2N2, CAP2, CAPN2, CARTPT, CBS, CCDC104, CCDC50, CCDC76, CD151, CD163L1, CD302, CDC42EP1, CDH10, CDH12, CDKN1C, CDKN2A, CDS1, CFC1, CHD5, CLCN3, CLDN12, CLIP4, CLMN, CNGA3, CNNM1, CNOT6L, COL6A1, COPA, CPNE8, CRKRS, CRTC1, CRYGS, CSTB, CTSK, CUL4A, CYGB, CYLD, CYP2E1, CYP3A5, CYTL1, D4S234E, DCLK1, DCTD, DEPDC6, DHX36, DIP2A, DIS3, DKFZP547G183, DNAJC22, DTNA, DTWD1, DUSP16, DUSP5, DVL3, EFNB3, EIF3C, ELFN2, ENOSF1, ERAP1, ERBB2, ERBB4, ERMAP, ETFDH, EXOSC6, FADS3, FAM120AOS, FAM150B, FAM165B, FAM184B, FAM30A, FAM46A, FAM66C, FAT4, FBRSL1, FBXW7, FGD5, FGF13, FLJ33630, FNBP1, FOXO6, FUBP3, GAL, GAL, GLT25D2, GNAS, GOLGA8A, GPR123, GPX7, GRIA2, GRIP2, GRM5, GUCY1A3, H2AFY, HCG 1776018, HCG 2022304, HCN4, HEATR1, HELQ, HERC4, HERPUD2, HEXDC, HGSNAT, HIST1H2AC, HIST1H2AE, HIST1H2BD, HIST1H2BK, HIST1H31, HIST2H2BE, HIVEP3, HNRNPM, HNRNPR, HPCAL1, HPCAL4, HSPD1, IER3, IL10RB, IL17B, INTU, JMY, KAT2B, KATNB1, KBTBD11, KCNMA1, KCNQ2, KCNS2, KCTD13, KHDC1, KIAA0125, KIAA1370, KIAA1598, KIF1A, KIF5C, KIF5C, KISS1R, KLHDC1, LCORL, LGALS3BP, LOC100130097, LOC100130360, LOC100130522, LOC100272228, LOC284408, LOC399491, LOC401320, LOC641298, LOC642852, LOC90110, LOC94431, LONRF2, LRP2BP, LRRC37A2, LRRFIP1, LTBP3, LYPLAL1, LYRM5, MAP3K5, MAP7, MAP9, MCM3AP, MCM3APAS, MCTP1, MEOX2, METTL3, MFSD4, MGAT4A, MLXIP, MRPL1, MRPS33, MST1, MUC20, MXD1, MZF1, NAMPT, NAP1L3, NBPF1, NBPF10, NCOA7, NCRNA00171, NCRNA00182, NDRG1, NDUFA4L2, NDUFV3, NEBL, NELF, NHEDC2, NHEG1, NIPAL2, NIPAL3, NLRX1, NOL3, NSMAF, NUDT19, NUP153, NUP54, OLFM3, OR7D2, OSBP, PABPC1L, PABPC4, PACRGL, PAM, PAPPA, PAQR6, PARP12, PCBD2, PCNXL2, PDCD6, PDE4C, PDE9A, PDGFRB, PDIA2, PGAP1, PHF17, PHKA1, PHKA2, PHLDA2, PIGH, PION, PKD1, PLA2G4C, PLCB4, PLEKHH1, PLP2, PLRG1, PLXNC1, PNCK, PNMA3, POFUT2, POGK, PPAPDC1A, PPAPDC1B, PPID, PPIE, PPM1K, PPP1R2, PPP2R2c, PPT1, PRKACB, PRPH, PSMB7, PTCD1, PTGER2, PTGS1, PTN, PTPRD, PTPRN, RAB11FIP3, RAB6B, RAF1, RGAG4, RGS11, RGS8, RHBDL1, RHOQ, RHOU, RLF, RNASET2, RNF13, RNF149, RNF165, RNF207, RNF41, RPL37, RSL1D1, RUNDC3A, S100A6, SCMH1, SCN2A, SERP1, SETX, SFRS18, SFXN3, SGK3, SH3BP5, SH3GL2, SH3YL1, SHC2, SHC4, SIGIRR, SIK1, SLC12A7, SLC1A2, SLC1A6, SLC22A17, SLC35F3, SLC38A5, SLCO1A2, SMAGP, SMAP2, SNCA, SOBP, SORCS1, SORL1, SPINT2, SPIRE2, SPOCK2, SRR, ST8SIA3, STAR, STEAP3, STOX2, STX3, SYNJ1, SYT13, SYT5, TAF10, TANC2, TCEA1, THBS2, THSD4, TIMP1, TM2D1, TMEM111, TMEM151A, TMEM184C, TMEM41B, TMEM43, TMEM5, TMEM59L, TMIE, TNFRSF25, TNFRSF25, TOX4, TP53BP1, TPM3, TRA2A, TRIM33, TRIM73, TRIMS, TRIT1, TSR1, TTC17, TTC3, TTC39C, TUSC3, TXLNB, U2AF1, UBE2D3, UBE2G2, UBN2, UBXN6, UCN, UGP2, UNC80, UNQ1887, USP36, USPL1, VN1R1, VPS13C, VPS53, VPS8, WDFY3, WDR27, WDR85, WSB1, YJEFN3, YLPM1, ZDHHC11, ZER1, ZG16B, ZNF275, ZNF440, ZNF573, ZNF641, ZNF662, ZNF785, and/or ZNF814, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT1, ADARB1, ADM, ANK2, AQP1, ASAM, C2CD4A, C3ORF23, CACNA1D, CAMK2B, CAP2, CARTPT, CD163L1, CDC42EP1, CDH10, CDKN1C, CDKN2A, CFC1, CLMN, CPNE8, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, DNAJC22, DUSP5, ENOSF1, ERAP1, FGF13, FOXO6, GAL, GNAS, GPX7, GRIA2, GRM5, HCG 1776018, HIST1H2AC, HIST1H2BD, HIST1H2BK, HIST2H2BE, IL17B, KIAA0125, KIAA1598, KISS1R, LRP2BP, MEOX2, NCRNA00182, NDRG1, NDUFA4L2, NIPAL2, NUDT19, PDE4C, PHKA2, PHLDA2, PTGER2, RGS11, S100A6, SCN2A, SHC4, SIGIRR, SLC1A2, SLC1A6, SLC35F3, SLC38A5, SORCS1, SYT13, SYT5, THBS2, TIMP1, and/or TMEM111, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT1, ADARB1, ANK2, AQP1, C3ORF23, CAP2, CARTPT, CD163L1, CDC42EP1, CDKN2A, CFC1, CPNE8, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, FGF13, FOXO6, GNAS, GRIA2, GRM5, HIST1H2AC, IL17B, KIAA0125, KIAA1598, KISS1R, MEOX2, NDRG1, NDUFA4L2, NIPAL2, PDE4C, PHKA2, RGS11, SCN2A, SLC1A2, SLC35F3, SLC38A5, SYT13, and/or THBS2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from AQP1, CAP2, CARTPT, CD163L1, CDC42EP1, CFC1, CPNE8, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, FGF13, GNAS, GRIA2, GRM5, HIST1H2AC, IL17B, KIAA0125, MEOX2, NDUFA4L2, PDE4C, PHKA2, RGS11, SLC1A2, SLC35F3, SLC38A5, and/or SYT13, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ANXA2, AQP1, ARHGAP9, CDH10, CDKN2A, CHPT1, CNTN2, ERAP1, and/or RGS11, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ABCC8, AELIM3, CAP2, IL17B, MEF2A, NEEBL, PHC, S100A6, SLC1A6, SMAD1, SMAD5, SMAD8, SYT13, and/or SYTL1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CSTB, GPCR, GRIMS, KISSR, SCN2A, SLC1A2, and/or THBS2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADARB1, ADM, PTPPH, and/or SLCO1A2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CNGA3, HIST1H3E, and/or PTGS1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from HIST1H₂BD and/or OSCAR as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In a further embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CALY as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from COL5A1 and/or MICAL2 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from OLFML2A and/or SIGIRR as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from HPCAL1 and/or LPAR5 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. In a further embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from HTR1E and/or SORCS1 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ANK2, CPNE8, CREB5, IL17B, KIAA0125, LOC100289109, LOC144571, NPAS4, SLC1A2, SORCS1, THBS2, and/or ZNF814, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication that exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9, 10, 11, or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9, 10, 11, or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9, 10, 11, or 12 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a difference in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 9, 10, 11, or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In still other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a difference in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 9, 10, 11, or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. The log ratio in Tables 9, 10, 11, or 12 represent log₂ values where 0.585 is log₂(1.5) which is a 1.5-fold difference, 1 is log₂(2) which is a 2-fold difference, 1.584 is log₂(3) which is a 3-fold difference, 2 is log₂(4) which is a 4-fold difference, 2.321 is log₂(5) which is a 5-fold difference, 2.584 is log₂(6) which is a 6-fold difference, 2.807 is log₂(7) which is a 7-fold difference, 3 is log₂(8) which is a 8-fold difference, 3.169 is log₂(9) which is a 9-fold difference, and 3.321 is log₂(10) which is a 10-fold difference.

In an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT9, ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, C3ORF70, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CD9, CDCA7L, CDK2, CENPL, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CSRP2, CTSL2, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DIAPH3, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FAM101B, FBLN1, FGFR2, FNDC5, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GPR177, GTSE1, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MCM10, MINA, MSN, MYO6, MYRIP, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTGR1, PTPRK, PVRL3, RAB32, RBPMS, SDC2, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TMEM178, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, TWIST1, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, BVES, C11ORF75, CDCA7L, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GTSE1, GTSF1, ITPRIP, KDELC2, LOC728052, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTPRK, RBPMS, RNF182, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, TFPI2, TMEM178, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ASCL1, BASP1, DOK5, DPYD, GNB4, GNG11, GTSF1, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRSS12, RNF182, SLC44A5, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9 or 11 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9 or 11 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 9 or 11 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 9 or 11 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ADRM1, AFF4, AGAP4, ALCAM, ANAPC7, ANKRD13D, ANKRD28, APIS, ARF1, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF10, ARHGEF6, ARL17A, ASCL1, ASXL1, ASXL3, ATF71P, B3GALNT2, BASP1, BLCAP, BNC2, C10ORF58, C12ORF49, C12ORF51, C1ORF43, C20ORF117, C20ORF7, CADM1, CADPS, CALCB, CAPN1, CAPRIN2, CBLB, CBLN2, CBWD1, CCDC150, CCDC3, CD9, CDC25B, CFDP1, CHRNA7, CIAPIN1, CLASP2, CNOT7, CPVL, CRYBG3, CSE1L, CTTNBP2NL, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DACT1, DAZ1, DBH, DCAF8, DENR, DHX35, DKFZP434L187, DLEU2, DLL1, DLL3, DYNC2H1, EAF2, EFNA5, EIF3B, EIF3C, ELOVL7, EML1, EML4, ENC1, EVL, EXOSC6, EXPH5, EZH2, FAM178A, FAM181B, FAM19A4, FAM7A3, FLJ10213, FUBP3, FUS, FZD5, GAP43, GFM1, GFRA2, GGA2, GNAI1, GNAS, GNB4, GNG11, GOLGA4, GPR125, GRM8, GRP, GSPT1, GSS, GSTCD, GULP1, HAUS2, HEG1, HNRNPL, HNRNPM, HOXA7, HOXD4, ID2, IDH3B, IL1A, INSM1, IREB2, ITGA6, ITGB5, KCTD12, KDELC2, KHDRBS3, KIAA0907, KIAA1267, KIF16B, KLC1, KLHL13, LBH, LMO4, LOC100128844, LOC340109, LOC641298, LOC647190, LOC728052, LOC728153, LRPPRC, LRRFIP2, LSM3, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MAN2A1, MAOA, MARS, MDN1, MED13L, MED22, MGC24103, MINA, MKLN1, MLEC, MMD, MORF4L2, MPZL1, MSH6, MSI2, MSN, MTMR9, MYO1B, MYO6, N4BP2, NAAA, NDUFS8, NEDD9, NFIB, NKTR, NLN, NOS1, NR2C1, NUFIP2, NUPL1, OSBPL3, PAPD4, PCBP2, PCDH9, PCGF5, PCNX, PDLIM5, PDZRN3, PELI2, PFKFB3, PGP, PHF20, PLK2, PLXNA2, PLXNA4, PM20D2, POLE, POLQ, PPP2R2A, PPP2R3c, PRDX2, PSMA7, PSME4, PTGFRN, PTK2, PTPN1, PTPRE, PTPRG, QKI, RAB12, RAB35, RAB3GAP2, RAD23B, RAF1, RALGAPA1, RAN, RASEF, RBL1, RDH11, RELL1, REPS1, RGS5, RIMBP2, RNF182, RNF34, RNPEP, ROBO2, RPAIN, RPL35A, RPRD1A, S1PR3, SALL4, SBNO1, SCARB2, SDHA, SEMA6A, SEZ6L, SF1, SFRS8, SIM1, SIRT2, SKIL, SLC20A1, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SLCO3A1, SLITRK5, SMAD4, SMARCC2, SMC3, SNRPB2, SNRPN, SNX5, SOX2, SPAG6, SPAG9, SPATS2L, SPON1, SR140, SSBP2, ST8SIA1, STMN3, STRA6, SYNCRIP, SYTL3, TAF15, TCF7L2, TDG, TERT, TFPI2, TGFBR1, TH1L, THOC4, TIMP3, TLE3, TMEM132C, TMEM178, TMEM181, TNRC6A, TPBG, TRA2A, TRIM29, TRIM36, TSHZ3, TXNRD1, U2AF1, UBE2O, UBE2V1, UBE2Z, UBXN2A, UCHL1, USP25, USP32, USP34, VPS29, XPO1, XPO7, ZFAND6, ZFHX4, ZFYVE16, ZGPAT, ZNF217, ZNF451, ZNF503, and/or ZNF664, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ALCAM, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF6, ASCL1, BNC2, CBLN2, CCDC150, CCDC3, CHRNA7, CRYBG3, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DAZ1, DKFZP434L187, DLL1, EFNA5, ELOVL7, EML1, EML4, ENC1, EXPH5, FAM7A3, FZD5, GFRA2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GRP, ID2, ITGA6, KCTD12, LOC100128844, LOC340109, LOC728052, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MGC24103, MSN, NEDD9, NFIB, OSBPL3, PAPD4, PCDH9, PDZRN3, PLK2, POLQ, PTGFRN, PTPRE, PTPRG, RAD23B, RGS5, RNF182, ROBO2, SIM1, SLC20A1, SLC44A5, SLITRK5, SPAG6, SPAG9, SR140, TFPI2, TIMP3, TMEM132C, TPBG, TRIM29, TRIM36, and/or ZFAND6, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ALCAM, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF6, CBLN2, CCDC3, CHRNA7, CRYBG3, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DAZ1, ELOVL7, EML1, EXPH5, FAM7A3, GNB4, GNG11, GRP, ITGA6, KCTD12, LOC340109, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MGC24103, PCDH9, PLK2, POLQ, PTPRE, RGS5, RNF182, ROBO2, SIM1, SLC44A5, SLITRK5, SPAG6, TIMP3, and/or TMEM132C, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CBLN2, CCDC3, CHRNA7, CRYBG3, CXCR4, DAZ1, EXPH5, FAM7A3, GNB4, GRP, KCTD12, LUM, MGC24103, PCDH9, PLK2, POLQ, PTPRE, RGS5, ROBO2, SIM1, SLITRK5, TIMP3, and/or TMEM132C, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT9, ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, C3ORF70, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CD9, CDCA7L, CDK2, CENPL, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CSRP2, CTSL2, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DIAPH3, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FAM101B, FBLN1, FGFR2, FNDCS, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GPR177, GTSE1, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MCM10, MINA, MSN, MYO6, MYRIP, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTGR1, PTPRK, PVRL3, RAB32, RBPMS, SDC2, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TMEM178, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, TWIST1, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, BVES, C11ORF75, CDCA7L, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GTSE1, GTSF1, ITPRIP, KDELC2, LOC728052, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTPRK, RBPMS, RNF182, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, TFPI2, TMEM178, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ASCL1, BASP1, DOK5, DPYD, GNB4, GNG11, GTSF1, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRSS12, RNF182, SLC44A5, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, CD9, CDK2, CSRP2, CTSL2, DIAPH3, DOK5, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MCM10, MSN, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PTPRK, RAB32, SDC2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, and/or TWIST1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ASCL1, BARD1, DOK5, DYNLT3, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, LPAR1, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PTPRK, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ASCL1, DOK5, GNB4, GNG11, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT9, BASP1, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CDCA7L, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DPYD, FAM101B, FNDC5, GTSE1, MAOA, MINA, MYO6, MYRIP, PLK2, PRLHR, PVRL3, RBPMS, SGOL2, SMC2, TFP12, TMEM178, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression level of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BASP1, C11ORF75, CDCA7L, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DPYD, GTSE1, MAOA, MINA, PLK2, PRLHR, RBPMS, SGOL2, TFPI2, and/or TMEM178, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BASP1, DPYD, MAOA, MINA, PLK2, and/or TFPI2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In a further embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from C3ORF70, MAB21L2, PRSS12, CENPL, GPR177, and/or PTGR1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from MAB21 L2 and/or PRSS12, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a decrease in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an decrease in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from 1-Mar, ABCG1, ABTB1, ACOT1, ACSL1, ACVR1, ACVR2A, ACYP2, ADAMTS1, ADAMTS3, ADAMTSL1, ADARB1, ADCY1, ADD2, ADO, AFF3, AKAP12, ALDH1A2, ALKBH1, ALLC, AMN1, ANKH, ANKRA2, ANKRD50, ANXA5, AP3B2, ARMC10, ARMCX5, ASAM, ASB13, ASPHD1, ATG5, ATL3, ATP2B3, ATP2C1, ATRNL1, B3GALTL, BACE1, BACE2, BBS10, BBS7, BCAP29, BCL2, BCORL1, BRUNOL4, BRUNOL6, BRWD1, BTN3A3, C10ORF10, C10ORF104, C11ORF57, C11ORF70, C14ORF167, C15ORF39, C16ORF52, C17ORF69, C18ORF18, C1GALT1C1, C1ORF21, C1ORF25, C1ORF97, C1RL, C21ORF57, C2CD2, C2CD4A, C2ORF67, C2ORF68, C3ORF23, C4ORF12, C4ORF39, C4ORF41, C5ORF42, C6ORF120, C9ORF150, CADM2, CAMK2D, CAMK2N1, CAMK2N2, CAP2, CAPN2, CARTPT, CCDC126, CCDC40, CCDC50, CONY, CD248, CD302, CDC2L6, CDC37L1, CDC42EP3, CDH12, CDKN1C, CDKN2A, CDS1, CFC1, CHMP1B, CLCN3, CLDN12, CLMN, CLN8, CNGA3, CNNM1, CNOT6L, COL27A1, COL5A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3, COX18, COX5B, CRYGD, CRYZL1, CTPS2, CTSC, CYB5R2, CYGB, CYLD, CYP2E1, CYP2U1, CYTL1, CYYR1, D4S234E, DAB1, DBT, DCAF10, DCLK1, DCTD, DDAH1, DHRSX, DISP1, DKFZP43410714, DKK1, DNAJC12, DNAJC24, DNASE1L1, DNER, DOPEY2, DRAM2, DSCAM, DSCR3, DTX3L, DUSP16, DUSP22, ECEL1, ECHDC3, EEF1D, EEF2K, EFEMP2, EFNB3, EMID1, ENOX2, ERAP1, ERBB2, ERBB4, ETFDH, ETS2, EYA1, FAM13C, FAM162B, FAM165B, FAM172A, FAM175A, FAM190A, FAM26F, FAM46A, FAM49A, FAM71E1, FAM76A, FAM85A, FBXL5, FBXW7, FCRLB, FGD5, FGF1, FGF13, FGF19, FGF3, FGF7, FIP1L1, FKTN, FLJ10038, FLJ35220, FLJ35390, FLJ37798, FLJ39051, FOXO6, FSTL1, FUCA2, GAL, GART, GAS5, GDPD5, GLCE, GLI2, GLIS1, GLIS3, GLT25D2, GNA14, GNAS, GPR123, GPX7, GRM5, GTF2H5, GUCY1A3, H2AFJ, HCG 1776018, HDAC4, HEBP2, HELQ, HERPUD2, HHLA3, HIST1H2AC, HIST1H2BD, HIST1H2BK, HIST2H2BE, HMGCLL1, HNRNPR, HPCAL1, HPDL, HPS3, HSBP1L1, HSPA1A, HTATIP2, ICAM2, IFNAR1, IGFBP5, IGFBP7, IGSF5, IL10RB, IL13RA2, IL17D, IL20RA, IL7, IMMP2L, INSR, IRS1, ITGB1BP1, JMY, JRKL, KAT2B, KBTBD11, KCMF1, KCNMA1, KCNQ2, KCNQ5, KCTD18, KDM1A, KDSR, KHDC1, KIAA1109, KIAA1324, KIAA1598, KIAA1804, KIRREL3, KLHDC1, KRCC1, LGALS3, LGALS3BP, LIFR, LINGO1, LIPT1, LMAN2L, LMCD1, LOC100129195, LOC100129884, LOC100130522, LOC100130856, LOC100132167, LOC100216479, LOC100272217, LOC100287039, LOC151146, LOC153682, LOC220930, LOC254128, LOC255167, LOC283588, LOC285286, LOC285550, LOC285878, LOC286052, LOC339290, LOC401321, LOC645513, LOC80154, LOC90246, LOC93622, LOC94431, LPAR3, LPHN2, LRCH2, LRP2BP, LYRM1, LYRM5, MAGI2, MANSC1, MAP3K13, MAP3K5, MAP9, MAPKAP1, MBD5, MBLAC2, MBNL1, MCTP1, MED6, MEGF11, MEOX2, MET, METT5D1, MFSD4, MFSD6, MFSD9, MGAT4A, MORC3, MREG, MRPS18C, MRPS33, MST1, MTMR3, MTUS2, MXRA7, N4BP3, NAP1L3, NCAM1, NCAM2, NCOA7, NCRNA00081, NCRNA00117, NCRNA00171, NDUFA4L2, NDUFV3, NEAT1, NEBL, NEIL2, NETO1, NFATC4, NHEDC2, NIPAL3, NLRX1, NNAT, NOTCH4, NPW, NPY, NR1H3, NR2F1, NT5E, NUDT19, NUDT6, OGFRL1, OLFM3, OMA1, OPRM1, OPTN, P4HTM, PABPC4L, PABPC5, PAK1, PAM, PAPOLG, PAPPA, PBX1, PCDHB10, PCDHB16, PCNX, PCNXL2, PDCD2, PDE4DIP, PDGFRB, PEX12, PEX6, PHKA1, PHLDB3, PIBF1, PID1, PIGH, PIGP, PIK3CB, PIWIL2, PKNOX1, PKNOX2, PLA2G12A, PLCB1, PLEKHA2, PLEKHA3, PLIN2, PLRG1, POLR3GL, POU6F1, PPAPDC1A, PPDX, PPP1R14A, PPP2R5c, PPP3CA, PRAME, PRKACB, PRMT2, PRPH, PSD3, PSTK, PTGER2, PTGES, PTN, PTP4A3, PTPRD, PTPRN2, PTPRR, QPCT, RAB4A, RAB6B, RAC2, RAI2, RCAN1, RCC1, RDH13, RFPL1S, RG9MTD2, RGAG4, RHBDD1, RHBDF2, RHOU, RNF13, RNF41, RNLS, RPL31, RPL37, RPRD1A, RRN3, RSL1D1, RSPH3, SAP30, SAV1, SCG5, SCN5A, SERTAD4, SGMS1, SH3BGR, SH3GL2, SH3 KBP1, SH3YL1, SIAE, SIGIRR, SIK1, SIK3, SIX2, SLC12A7, SLC16A14, SLC22A17, SLC22A5, SLC25A12, SLC25A4, SLC35F3, SLC6A15, SLIT1, SMARCA2, SMEK2, SNAP91, SNCA, SOCS5, SORCS2, SPATA17, SPATA7, SPIN3, SPINT1, SPINT2, SPOCK2, SPRED1, SSPN, ST8SIA3, STAC2, STAR, STEAP3, STOX2, STX12, STXBP5L, SUCLG2, SYNJ1, SYNPR, SYT13, TAF12, TAF1B, TBC1D12, TBC1D15, TCEAL2, TEX264, THAP2, TM2D1, TMCC1, TMEM182, TMEM184C, TMEM196, TMEM45B, TMEM5, TMEM59L, TMEM65, TMIE, TNC, TNFRSF10D, TNFSF4, TOX, TRAPPC9, TRHDE, TRIM61, TRIM69, TSPAN7, TSPAN9, TTC23, TTC39C, TUSC3, TXLNB, UBE2D3, UBE2W, UCN, UNC5A, UTP23, VPS37A, VSTM2A, WASF3, WDFY3, WDTC1, XPR1, XYLT1, ZBTB41, ZC3H12B, ZNF148, ZNF185, ZNF22, ZNF23, ZNF25, ZNF250, ZNF280D, ZNF285A, ZNF295, ZNF346, ZNF528, ZNF585A, ZNF610, ZNF641, ZNF662, ZNF677, and/or ZNF862, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT1, ADARB1, ASAM, BACE2, C11ORF70, C2CD4A, C3ORF23, CADM2, CAP2, CARTPT, CDKN1C, CFC1, CNGA3, COL5A1, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, DSCAM, ECEL1, ECHDC3, FAM26F, FAM49A, FGF1, FGF13, FGF19, FLJ39051, FUCA2, GAL, GPX7, GRM5, HCG 1776018, HHLA3, HIST1H2AC, HIST1H2BD, HSPA1A, HTATIP2, ICAM2, IGFBP5, IGFBP7, IL13RA2, KCNMA1, KCNQ5, KIAA1598, KRCC1, LMCD1, LOC100216479, LOC254128, LOC339290, LPAR3, MEGF11, MEOX2, NCAM2, NDUFA4L2, NEAT1, NNAT, NPW, NPY, PABPC4L, PAPPA, PID1, PPAPDC1A, PRAME, PRKACB, PTGER2, PTN, PTP4A3, RAC2, SLC35F3, SYT13, TCEAL2, THAP2, TMIE, TNFRSF10D, TRHDE, TXLNB, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT1, ASAM, BACE2, C11ORF70, C2CD4A, C3ORF23, CADM2, CAP2, CARTPT, CFC1, CNGA3, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, DSCAM, ECEL1, ECHDC3, FGF1, FGF13, FUCA2, GAL, GPX7, HSPA1A, HTATIP2, ICAM2, IGFBP5, IGFBP7, KIAA1598, KRCC1, LMCD1, LOC100216479, LOC254128, LOC339290, LPAR3, MEOX2, NDUFA4L2, NEAT1, NNAT, NPW, NPY, PAPPA, PID1, PPAPDC1A, PRAME, PTN, SLC35F3, SYT13, TCEAL2, TMIE, TNFRSF10D, TRHDE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from C11ORF70, CADM2, CAP2, CARTPT, CNGA3, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, DSCAM, FGF13, FUCA2, GAL, HSPA1A, HTATIP2, ICAM2, IGFBP5, IGFBP7, LMCD1, LOC100216479, MEOX2, NDUFA4L2, NEAT1, NNAT, NPW, PID1, PRAME, SLC35F3, SYT13, TCEAL2, TMIE, TNFRSF10D, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9 or 11 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9 or 11 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least 7.0-fold, or at least 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 9 or 11 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least 7.0-fold, or at least 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and listed in Tables 9 or 11 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 5 or 7 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and listed in Tables 9 or 11 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ALCAM, ANAPC7, ARF1, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF6, ARL17A, ASCL1, ASXL3, BASP1, BNC2, C10ORF58, C12ORF49, C1ORF43, C20ORF7, CBLB, CBWD1, CCDC3, CD9, CDC25B, CHRNA7, CPVL, CRYBG3, CSE1L, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DACT1, DAZ1, DBH, DHX35, DKFZP434L187, DLEU2, DLL3, EAF2, EFNA5, EIF3C, ELOVL7, EML1, ENC1, EXOSC6, EXPH5, EZH2, FAM181B, FAM19A4, FAM7A3, FUBP3, FZD5, GAP43, GFRA2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GPR125, GRP, GSS, ITGA6, ITGA6, ITGB5, KCTD12, KDELC2, KHDRBS3, KIF16B, KLHL13, LBH, LOC100128844, LOC340109, LOC641298, LOC728052, LUM, MAB21L1, MAN2A1, MAOA, MINA, MMD, MSN, MYO1B, MYO6, NAAA, NEDD9, NOS1, OSBPL3, PCGF5, PELI2, PFKFB3, PHF20, PLK2, PLS3, PLXNA2, PLXNA4, PM20D2, POLE, PSMA7, PTGFRN, PTPRE, PTPRG, RAB35, RAF1, RAN, RASEF, RBL1, RELL1, RGS5, RIMBP2, RNF182, RNF34, S1PR3, SALL4, SEMA6A, SEZ6L, SIM1, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SLCO3A1, SLITRK5, SPAG6, SPATS2L, ST8SIA1, STMN3, STRA6, TCF7L2, TFPI2, TH1L, THOC4, TIMP3, TLE3, TMEM132C, TMEM178, TPBG, TRA2A, TRIM29, TRIM36, TSHZ3, TXNRD1, U2AF1, UBE2V1, VPS29, ZFHX4, ZGPAT, ZNF217, and/or ZNF503, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ALCAM, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF6, ASCL1, BNC2, CCDC3, CHRNA7, CRYBG3, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DAZ1, EFNA5, ELOVL7, EML1, ENC1, EXPH5, FAM7A3, FZD5, GFRA2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GRP, ITGA6, KCTD12, LOC100128844, LOC340109, LOC728052, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MSN, NEDD9, OSBPL3, PLK2, PTGFRN, PTPRE, RGS5, RNF182, SIM1, SLC44A5, SLITRK5, SPAG6, TFPI2, TIMP3, TMEM132C, TPBG, TRIM29, and/or TRIM36, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ALCAM, ARHGAP6, ARHGEF6, CCDC3, CHRNA7, CRYBG3, CUGBP2, CXCR4, DAZ1, ELOVL7, EML1, EXPH5, FAM7A3, GNB4, GNG11, GRP, ITGA6, KCTD12, LOC340109, LUM, MAB21L1, MAB21L2, PLK2, PTPRE, RGS5, RNF182, SIM1, SLC44A5, SLITRK5, SPAG6, TIMP3, and/or TMEM132C, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CCDC3, CHRNA7, CRYBG3, CXCR4, DAZ1, EXPH5, FAM7A3, GNB4, GRP, KCTD12, LUM, PLK2, PTPRE, RGS5, SIM1, SLITRK5, TIMP3, and/or TMEM132C, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ALCAM, ARF1, ARL17A, ASCL1, BASP1, CD9, CUGBP2, EAF2, EIF3C, FAM181B, FUBP3, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, KDELC2, KHDRBS3, KLHL13, LOC641298, LOC728052, MAB21L2, MAOA, MINA, MSN, MYO6, PLK2, PLS3, RAF1, RELL1, RNF182, SEZ6L, SEZ6L, SIM1, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SLCO3A1, SLITRK5, SPATS2L, TCF7L2, TFPI2, TMEM178, TRA2A, U2AF1, and/or ZNF217, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from A2BP1, ALCAM, ARF1, ASCL1, BASP1, CD9, CUGBP2, EIF3C, FUBP3, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, KDELC2, KHDRBS3, LOC641298, LOC728052, MAB21L2, MAOA, MINA, MSN, MYO6, PLK2, PLS3, RELL1, RNF182, SIM1, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SLCO3A1, SLITRK5, TCF7L2, TFPI2, TMEM178, TRA2A, and/or ZNF217, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ASCL1, CUGBP2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, LOC728052, MAB21L2, MAOA, MSN, PLK2, RNF182, SIM1, SLC44A5, SLITRK5, and/or TFPI2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from GNB4, GNG11, PLK2, RNF182, SIM1, SLC44A5, and/or SLITRK5, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In still another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from GNB4, PLK2, SIM1, and/or SLITRK5, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from a parental SiMa cell line. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least 7.0-fold, or at least 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and a decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 10 or 12 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least 7.0-fold, or at least 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a decrease in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a decrease in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 6 or 8 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, and listed in Tables 10 or 12 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ABTB1, ACOT1, ACYP2, ADARB1, ADCY1, ANKRD50, ASAM, ASPHD1, ATP2B3, BACE1, BRUNOL4, BRWD1, BTN3A3, C16ORF52, C1ORF21, C21ORF57, C2CD2, C2CD4A, C3ORF23, C9ORF150, CAMK2N2, CAP2, CAPN2, CARTPT, CD302, CDH12, CDKN2A, CDS1, CFC1, CLCN3, CLDN12, CLMN, CNGA3, CNNM1, CNOT6L, COL6A1, CYGB, CYLD, CYP2E1, CYTL1, D4S234E, DCLK1, DCTD, DUSP16, EFNB3, ERAP1, ERBB2, ERBB4, ETFDH, FAM162B, FAM165B, FAM46A, FBXW7, FGD5, FGF13, FOXO6, FSTL1, GAL, GLT25D2, GNAS, GPR123, GPX7, GRM5, GUCY1A3, HCG 1776018, HELQ, HERPUD2, HIST1H2AC, HIST1H2BD, HIST1H2BK, HIST2H2BE, HNRNPR, HPCAL1, IL10RB, JMY, KAT2B, KBTBD11, KCNMA1, KCNQ2, KHDC1, KIAA1598, KLHDC1, LGALS3BP, LIFR, LOC100130522, LOC94431, LRP2BP, LYRM5, MAP3K5, MAP9, MCTP1, MEOX2, MFSD4, MGAT4A, MRPS33, MST1, NAP1L3, NCOA7, NCRNA00171, NDUFA4L2, NDUFV3, NEBL, NHEDC2, NIPAL3, NLRX1, NUDT19, OLFM3, PAM, PAPPA, PCNXL2, PDGFRB, PHKA1, PIGH, PLRG1, PLRG1, PPAPDC1A, PRKACB, PRPH, PTGER2, PTN, PTPRD, RAB6B, RGAG4, RHOU, RNF13, RNF41, RSL1D1, SH3GL2, SH3YL1, SIGIRR, SIK1, SLC12A7, SLC22A17, SLC35F3, SNCA, SPINT2, SPOCK2, ST8SIA3, STAR, STEAP3, STOX2, SYNJ1, SYT13, TM2D1, TMEM184C, TMEM5, TMEM59L, TMIE, TTC39C, TUSC3, TXLNB, UCN, WDFY3, WDFY3, ZNF641, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT1, ADARB1, ASAM, C2CD4A, C3ORF23, CAP2, CARTPT, CFC1, CNGA3, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, FGF13, GAL, GPX7, GRM5, HCG 1776018, HIST1H2AC, HIST1H2BD, KCNMA1, KIAA1598, MEOX2, NDUFA4L2, PPAPDC1A, PRKACB, PTGER2, PTN, SLC35F3, SYT13, TMIE, TXLNB, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT1, ASAM, C2CD4A, C3ORF23, CAP2, CARTPT, CFC1, CNGA3, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, FGF13, GAL, GPX7, KIAA1598, MEOX2, NDUFA4L2, PPAPDC1A, PTN, SLC35F3, SYT13, TMIE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CAP2, CARTPT, CNGA3, CYGB, CYP2E1, CYTL1, FGF13, GAL, MEOX2, NDUFA4L2, SLC35F3, SYT13, TMIE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CAP2, CDKN2A, CNGA3, FAM162B, FGF13, FOXO6, FSTL1, KCNMA1, KHDC1, LIFR, MCTP1, MEOX2, PPAPDC1A, PTN, SYT13, TMIE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CAP2, CDKN2A, CNGA3, FGF13, FOXO6, FSTL1, KCNMA1, KHDC1, MCTP1, MEOX2, PPAPDC1A, PTN, SYT13, TMIE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CNGA3, FGF13, KCNMA1, MEOX2, PPAPDC1A, PTN, SYT13, TMIE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CNGA3, FGF13, MEOX2, PPAPDC1A, PTN, SYT13, TMIE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In still another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from CNGA3, FGF13, MEOX2, SYT13, TMIE, and/or ZNF662, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 of, e.g., at least a 1.5-fold, at least a 2.0-fold, at least a 2.5-fold, at least a 3.0-fold, at least a 3.5-fold, at least a 4.0-fold, at least a 4.5-fold, at least a 5.0-fold, at least a 5.5-fold, at least a 6.0-fold, at least a 7.0-fold, or at least a 8.0-fold as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., 2 or more genes, 3 or more genes, 4 or more genes, 5 or more genes, 6 or more genes, 7 or more genes, 8 or more genes, 9 or more genes, 10 or more genes, 20 or more genes, 30 or more genes, 40 or more genes, 50 or more genes, 60 or more genes, 70 or more genes, 80 or more genes, 90 or more genes, or 100 or more genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an increase in gene expression levels of, e.g., about 5 genes to about 100 genes, about 10 genes to about 100 genes, about 15 genes to about 100 genes, about 20 genes to about 100 genes, about 25 genes to about 100 genes, about 5 genes to about 75 genes, about 10 genes to about 75 genes, about 15 genes to about 75 genes, about 20 genes to about 75 genes, about 25 genes to about 75 genes, about 5 genes to about 50 genes, about 10 genes to about 50 genes, about 15 genes to about 50 genes, about 20 genes to about 50 genes, or about 25 genes to about 50 genes listed in Tables 14 or 16 as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT9, ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, C3ORF70, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CD9, CDCA7L, CDK2, CENPL, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CSRP2, CTSL2, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DIAPH3, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FAM101B, FBLN1, FGFR2, FNDCS, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GPR177, GTSE1, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MCM10, MINA, MSN, MYO6, MYRIP, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTGR1, PTPRK, PVRL3, RAB32, RBPMS, SDC2, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TMEM178, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, TWIST1, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ASCL1, BARD1, BASP1, BVES, C11ORF75, CDCA7L, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DOK5, DPYD, DYNLT3, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GTSE1, GTSF1, ITPRIP, KDELC2, LOC728052, LPAR1, MAB21L2, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRLHR, PRSS12, PTPRK, RBPMS, RNF182, SGOL2, SLC43A3, SLC44A5, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, TFPI2, TMEM178, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ASCL1, BASP1, DOK5, DPYD, GNB4, GNG11, GTSF1, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRSS12, RNF182, SLC44A5, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, CD9, CDK2, CSRP2, CTSL2, DIAPH3, DOK5, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MCM10, MSN, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PTPRK, RAB32, SDC2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, and/or TWIST1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ASCL1, BARD1, DOK5, DYNLT3, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, LPAR1, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PTPRK, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ADAMTS9, ASCL1, DOK5, GNB4, GNG11, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, SPARC, TFPI2, and/or TPTE, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In yet another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from ACOT9, BASP1, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CDCA7L, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DPYD, FAM101B, FNDCS, GTSE1, MAOA, MINA, MYO6, MYRIP, PLK2, PRLHR, PVRL3, RBPMS, SGOL2, SMC2, TFP12, TMEM178, and/or ZNF521, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BASP1, C11ORF75, CDCA7L, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DPYD, GTSE1, MAOA, MINA, PLK2, PRLHR, RBPMS, SGOL2, TFPI2, and/or TMEM178, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In another aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from BASP1, DPYD, MAOA, MINA, PLK2, and/or TFPI2, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

In a still another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from C3ORF70, MAB21L2, PRSS12, CENPL, GPR177, and/or PTGR1, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit at least a 1.5-fold increase in gene expression levels of one or more genes selected from MAB21L2 and/or PRSS12, as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from both the 2D6 cell line and the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication that exhibit an equivalent or lower EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity relative to the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of cells from a parental SiMa cell line. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an equivalent or lower EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity relative to the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an equivalent EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity relative to the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a lower EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of, e.g., at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 100% relative to the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a lower EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of, e.g., at least 110%, at least 120%, at least 130%, at least 140%, at least 150%, at least 160%, at least 170%, at least 180%, at least 190%, or at least 200% relative to the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit a lower EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of, e.g., at least 225%, at least 250%, at least 275%, at least 300%, at least 325%, at least 350%, at least 375%, at least 400%, at least 425%, at least 450%, at least 475%, or at least 500% relative to the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. In still other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication exhibit an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of, e.g., 10 pM or less, 9 pM or less, 8 pM or less, 7 pM or less, 6 pM or less, 5 pM or less, 4 pM or less, 3.0 pM or less, 2.9 pM or less, 2.8 pM or less, 2.7 pM or less, 2.6 pM or less, 2.5 pM or less, 2.4 pM or less, 2.3 pM or less, 2.2 pM or less, 2.1 pM or less, 2.0 pM or less, 1.9 pM or less, 1.8 pM or less, 1.7 pM or less, 1.6 pM or less, 1.5 pM or less, 1.4 pM or less, 1.3 pM or less, 1.2 pM or less, 1.1 pM or less, 1.0 pM or less, 0.9 pM or less, 0.8 pM or less, 0.7 pM or less, 0.6 pM or less, 0.5 pM or less, 0.4 pM or less, 0.3 pM or less, 0.2 pM or less, or 0.1 pM or less.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, a BoNT/A. As used herein, the term “BoNT/A” is synonymous with “botulinum neurotoxin serotype A” or “botulinum neurotoxin type A” and refers to both a naturally-occurring BoNT/A or a non-naturally occurring BoNT/As thereof, and includes BoNT/A complex comprising the about 150 kDa BoNT/A neurotoxin and associated non-toxin associated proteins (NAPs), as well as the about 150 kDa BoNT/A neurotoxin alone. Non-limiting examples of BoNT/A complexes include, e.g., the 900-kDa BoNT/A complex, the 500-kDa BoNT/A complex, the 300-kDa BoNT/A complex. Non-limiting examples of the about 150 kDa BoNT/A neurotoxin include, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4.

As used herein, the term “naturally occurring BoNT/A” refers to any BoNT/A produced by a naturally-occurring process, including, without limitation, BoNT/A isoforms produced from a post-translational modification, an alternatively-spliced transcript, or a spontaneous mutation, and BoNT/A subtypes, such as, e.g., a BoNT/A1 subtype, BoNT/A2 subtype, BoNT/A3 subtype, BoNT/A4 subtype, and BoNT/A5 subtype. A naturally occurring BoNT/A includes, without limitation, SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, or one that substitutes, deletes or adds, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. Commercially available pharmaceutical compositions of a naturally-occurring BoNT/A includes, without limitation, BOTOX® (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif.), DYSPORT®/RELOXIN®, (Ipsen Ltd., Slough, England), PURTOX® (Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, Calif.), XEOMIN® (Merz Pharmaceuticals, GmbH., Frankfurt, Germany), NEURONOX® (Medy-Tox, Inc., Ochang-myeon, South Korea), BTX-A.

As used herein, the term “non-naturally occurring BoNT/A” refers to any BoNT/A whose structure was modified with the aid of human manipulation, including, without limitation, a BoNT/A with an altered amino acid sequence produced by genetic engineering using random mutagenesis or rational design and a BoNT/A produced by in vitro chemical synthesis. Non-limiting examples of non-naturally occurring BoNT/As are described in, e.g., Steward, L. E. et al., Post-translational Modifications and Clostridial Neurotoxins, U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,577; Dolly, J. O. et al., Activatable Clostridial Toxins, U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,676; Steward, L. E. et al., Clostridial Neurotoxin Compositions and Modified Clostridial Neurotoxins, US 2004/0220386; Steward, L. E. et al., Modified Clostridial Toxins With Enhanced Targeting Capabilities For Endogenous Clostridial Toxin Receptor Systems, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0096248; Steward, L. E. et al., Modified Clostridial Toxins With Altered Targeting Capabilities For Clostridial Toxin Target Cells, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0161543; Steward, L. E. et al., Modified Clostridial Toxins With Enhanced Translocation Capabilities and Altered Targeting Activity For Clostridial Toxin Target Cells, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0241881, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Thus in an embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from a naturally occurring BoNT/A. In aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from a BoNT/A isoform or a BoNT/A subtype. In aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from the BoNT/A of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. In other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from a BoNT/A having, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. In other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from BOTOX®, DYSPORT®/RELOXIN®, PURTOX®, XEOMIN®, NEURONOX®, or BTX-A.

In another embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A. In other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A variant having, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. In other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A variant having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more non-contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A activity being detected is from a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A variant having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 4.

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, a SNAP-25. As used herein, the term “SNAP-25” refers to a naturally-occurring SNAP-25 or a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 which is preferentially cleaved by a BoNT/A. As used herein, the term “preferentially cleaved” refers to that the cleavage rate of a BoNT/A substrate by a BoNT/A that is at least one order of magnitude higher than the cleavage rate of any other substrate by BoNT/A. In aspects of this embodiment, the cleavage rate of a BoNT/A substrate by a BoNT/A that is at least two orders of magnitude higher, at least three orders of magnitude higher, at least four orders of magnitude higher, or at least five orders of magnitude higher than the cleavage rate of any other substrate by BoNT/A.

As used herein, the term “naturally occurring SNAP-25” refers to any SNAP-25 produced by a naturally-occurring process, including, without limitation, SNAP-25 isoforms produced from a post-translational modification, an alternatively-spliced transcript, or a spontaneous mutation, and SNAP-25 subtypes. A naturally occurring SNAP-25 includes, without limitation, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24, or one that substitutes, deletes or adds, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24.

As used herein, the term “non-naturally occurring SNAP-25” refers to any SNAP-25 whose structure was modified with the aid of human manipulation, including, without limitation, a SNAP-25 produced by genetic engineering using random mutagenesis or rational design and a SNAP-25 produced by in vitro chemical synthesis. Non-limiting examples of non-naturally occurring SNAP-25s are described in, e.g., Steward, L. E. et al., FRET Protease Assays for Clostridial Toxins, U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,567; Fernandez-Salas et al., Lipohilic Dye-based FRET Assays for Clostridial Toxin Activity, U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0160561, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 may substitute, delete or add, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24.

Thus in an embodiment, a SNAP-25 is a naturally occurring SNAP-25. In aspects of this embodiment, the SNAP-25 is a SNAP-25 isoform or a SNAP-25 subtype. In aspects of this embodiment, the naturally occurring SNAP-25 is the naturally occurring SNAP-25 of SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24. In other aspects of this embodiment, the SNAP-25 is a naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., at least 70% amino acid identity, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24.

In another embodiment, a SNAP-25 is a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25. In other aspects of this embodiment, the SNAP-25 is a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24. In other aspects of this embodiment, the SNAP-25 is a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more non-contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, the SNAP-25 is a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24.

A SNAP-25 can be an endogenous SNAP-25 or an exogenous SNAP-25. As used herein, the term “endogenous SNAP-25” refers to a SNAP-25 naturally present in the cell because it is naturally encoded within the cell's genome, such that the cell inherently expresses the SNAP-25 without the need of an external source of SNAP-25 or an external source of genetic material encoding a SNAP-25. The expression of an endogenous SNAP-25 may be with or without environmental stimulation such as, e.g., cell differentiation. By definition, an endogenous SNAP-25 can only be a naturally-occurring SNAP-25 or variants thereof. For example, the following established cell lines express an endogenous SNAP-25: BE(2)-M17, Kelly, LA1-55n, N1E-115, N4TG3, N18, Neuro-2a, NG108-15, PC12, SH-SY5Y, SiMa, and SK-N-BE(2)-C.

As used herein, the term “exogenous SNAP-25” refers to a SNAP-25 expressed in a cell through the introduction of an external source of SNAP-25 or an external source of genetic material encoding a SNAP-25 by human manipulation. The expression of an exogenous SNAP-25 may be with or without environmental stimulation such as, e.g., cell differentiation. As a non-limiting example, cells from an established clonal cell line can express an exogenous SNAP-25 by transient or stably transfection of a SNAP-25 coding sequence. As another non-limiting example, cells from an established clonal cell line can express an exogenous SNAP-25 by protein transfection of a SNAP-25. An exogenous SNAP-25 can be a naturally-occurring SNAP-25 or variants thereof, or a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 or variants thereof.

Thus in an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line express an endogenous SNAP-25. In aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous SNAP-25 expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is a naturally-occurring SNAP-25. In other aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous SNAP-25 expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous SNAP-25 expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is a naturally occurring SNAP-25, such as, e.g., a SNAP-25 isoform or a SNAP-25 subtype. In other aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous SNAP-25 expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is a naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., at least 70% amino acid identity, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express an exogenous SNAP-25. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a naturally-occurring SNAP-25. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express the naturally-occurring SNAP-25 of SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a naturally occurring SNAP-25, such as, e.g., a SNAP-25 isoform or a SNAP-25 subtype. In still other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., at least 70% amino acid identity, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24.

In another aspect of the embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more non-contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring SNAP-25 having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 24.

Assays that detect the cleavage of a BoNT/A substrate after exposure to a BoNT/A can be used to assess whether a cell is expressing an endogenous or an exogenous SNAP-25. In these assays, generation of a SNAP-25 cleavage-product would be detected in cells expressing a SNAP-25 after BoNT/A treatment. Non-limiting examples of specific Western blot analysis, as well as well-characterized reagents, conditions and protocols are readily available from commercial vendors that include, without limitation, Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, N.J.; Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.; Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill.; Promega Corporation, Madison, Wis., and Stratagene, Inc., La Jolla, Calif. It is understood that these and similar assays for SNAP-25 cleavage can be useful in identifying cells expressing an endogenous or an exogenous SNAP-25.

As non-limiting examples, Western blot analysis using an antibody that recognizes BoNT/A SNAP-25-cleaved product or both the cleaved and uncleaved forms of SNAP-25 can be used to assay for uptake of BoNT/A. Examples of α-SNAP-25 antibodies useful for these assays include, without limitation, α-SNAP-25 mouse monoclonal antibody SMI-81 (Sternberger Monoclonals Inc., Lutherville, Md.), mouse α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody CI 71.1 (Synaptic Systems, Goettingen, Germany), α-SNAP-25 mouse monoclonal antibody CI 71.1 (Synaptic Systems, Goettingen, Germany), α-SNAP-25 mouse monoclonal antibody SP12 (Abcam, Cambridge, Mass.), α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antiserum (Synaptic Systems, Goettingen, Germany), α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antiserum (Abcam, Cambridge, Mass.), and α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antiserum S9684 (Sigma, St Louis, Mo.).

Aspects of the present disclosure comprise, in part, a BoNT/A receptor. As used herein, the term “BoNT/A receptor” refers to either a naturally-occurring BoNT/A receptor or a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor which preferentially interacts with BoNT/A in a manner that elicits a BoNT/A intoxication response. As used herein, the term “preferentially interacts” refers to that the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of BoNT/A for a BoNT/A receptor is at least one order of magnitude less than that of BoNT/A for any other receptor. The equilibrium dissociation constant, a specific type of equilibrium constant that measures the propensity of an BoNT/A-BoNT/A receptor complex to separate (dissociate) reversibly into its component molecules, namely the BoNT/A and the BoNT/A receptor complex. The disassociation constant is defined as KD=[L][R]/[C], where [L] equals the molar concentration of BoNT/A, [R] is the molar concentration of a BoNT/A receptor, and [C] is the molar concentration of the BoNT/A-BoNT/A receptor complex, and where all concentrations are of such components when the system is at equilibrium. The smaller the dissociation constant, the more tightly bound the BoNT/A is to its receptor, or the higher the binding affinity between BoNT/A and BoNT/A receptor. In aspects of this embodiment, the disassociation constant of BoNT/A for a BoNT/A receptor is at least two orders of magnitude less, at least three orders of magnitude less, at least four orders of magnitude less, or at least five orders of magnitude less than that of BoNT/A for any other receptor. In other aspects of this embodiment, the binding affinity of a BoNT/A that preferentially interacts with a BoNT/A receptor can have an equilibrium disassociation constant of, e.g., of 500 nM or less, 400 nM or less, 300 nM or less, 200 nM, or less 100 nM or less. In other aspects of this embodiment, the binding affinity of a BoNT/A that preferentially interacts with a BoNT/A receptor can have an equilibrium disassociation constant of, e.g., of 90 nM or less, 80 nM or less, 70 nM or less, 60 nM or less, 50 nM or less, 40 nM or less, 30 nM or less, 20 nM, or less 10 nM or less. As used herein, the term “elicits a BoNT/A intoxication response” refers to the ability of a BoNT/A receptor to interact with a BoNT/A to form a neurotoxin/receptor complex and the subsequent internalization of that complex into the cell cytoplasm.

As used herein, the term “naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor” refers to any BoNT/A receptor produced by a naturally-occurring process, including, without limitation, BoNT/A receptor isoforms produced from a post-translational modification, an alternatively-spliced transcript, or a spontaneous mutation, and BoNT/A receptor subtypes. A naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor includes, without limitation, a fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), a fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), a synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2 (SV2), and a complex ganglioside like GT1b, such as those described in Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Botulinum Toxin Screening Assays, U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0003240; Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Botulinum Toxin Screening Assays, U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0182799; Min Dong et al., SV2 is the Protein Receptor for Botulinum Neurotoxin A, Science (2006); S. Mahrhold et al, The Synaptic Vesicle Protein 2C Mediates the Uptake of Botulinum Neurotoxin A into Phrenic Nerves, 580(8) FEBS Lett. 2011-2014 (2006), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A naturally occurring FGFR2 includes, without limitation, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, and SEQ ID NO: 70, or one that substitutes, deletes or adds, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, and SEQ ID NO: 70. A naturally occurring FGFR3 includes, without limitation, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, and SEQ ID NO: 27, or one that substitutes, deletes or adds, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, and SEQ ID NO: 27. A naturally occurring SV2 includes, without limitation, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, and SEQ ID NO: 31, or one that substitutes, deletes or adds, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, and SEQ ID NO: 31.

As used herein, the term “non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor variant” refers to any BoNT/A receptor produced with the aid of human manipulation or design, including, without limitation, a BoNT/A receptor produced by genetic engineering using random mutagenesis or rational design and a BoNT/A receptor produced by chemical synthesis. Non-limiting examples of non-naturally occurring BoNT/A variants include, e.g., conservative BoNT/A receptor variants, non-conservative BoNT/A receptor variants, BoNT/A receptor chimeric variants and active BoNT/A receptor fragments.

As used herein, the term “non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor” refers to any BoNT/A receptor whose structure was modified with the aid of human manipulation, including, without limitation, a BoNT/A receptor produced by genetic engineering using random mutagenesis or rational design and a BoNT/A receptor produced by in vitro chemical synthesis. Non-limiting examples of non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptors are described in, e.g., Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Botulinum Toxin Screening Assays, U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0003240; Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Botulinum Toxin Screening Assays, U.S. Patent Publication 2008/0182799, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. A non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor may substitute, delete or add, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more amino acids from SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70.

Thus in an embodiment, a BoNT/A receptor is a naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor such as, e.g., FGFR2, FGFR3 or SV2. In aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A receptor is a BoNT/A receptor isoform or a BoNT/A receptor subtype. In aspects of this embodiment, the naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor is the naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor of SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70. In other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A receptor is a naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., at least 70% amino acid identity, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70.

In another embodiment, a BoNT/A receptor is a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor, such as, e.g., a genetically-engineered FGFR2, a genetically-engineered FGFR3, or a genetically-engineered SV2. In other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A receptor is a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70. In other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A receptor is a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more non-contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, the BoNT/A receptor is a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70.

A BoNT/A receptor can be an endogenous BoNT/A receptor or an exogenous BoNT/A receptor. As used herein, the term “endogenous BoNT/A receptor” refers to a BoNT/A receptor naturally present in the cell because it is naturally encoded within the cell's genome, such that the cell inherently expresses the BoNT/A receptor without the need an external source of BoNT/A receptor or an external source of genetic material encoding a BoNT/A receptor. Expression of an endogenous BoNT/A receptor may be with or without environmental stimulation such as e.g., cell differentiation or promoter activation. For example, the following established clonal cell lines express at least one endogenous BoNT/A receptor: BE(2)-M17, Kelly, LA1-55n, N1E-115, N4TG3, N18, Neuro-2a, NG108-15, PC12, SH-SY5Y, SiMa, and SK-N-BE(2)-C. An endogenous BoNT/A receptor can only be a naturally-occurring BoNT/A receptor or naturally-occurring variants thereof.

As used herein, the term “exogenous BoNT/A receptor” refers to a BoNT/A receptor expressed in a cell through the introduction of an external source of BoNT/A receptor or an external source of genetic material encoding a BoNT/A receptor by human manipulation. The expression of an exogenous BoNT/A receptor may be with or without environmental stimulation such as, e.g., cell differentiation or promoter activation. As a non-limiting example, cells from an established clonal cell line can express one or more exogenous BoNT/A receptors by transient or stably transfection of a polynucleotide molecule encoding a BoNT/A receptor, such as, e.g., a FGFR2, a FGFR3, or a SV2. As another non-limiting example, cells from an established clonal cell line can express one or more exogenous BoNT/A receptors by protein transfection of the BoNT/A receptors, such as, e.g., a FGFR2, a FGFR3, or a SV2. An exogenous BoNT/A receptor can be a naturally-occurring BoNT/A receptor or naturally occurring variants thereof, or non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor or non-naturally occurring variants thereof.

Thus in an embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line express an endogenous BoNT/A receptor. In aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous BoNT/A receptor expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is a naturally-occurring BoNT/A receptor. In other aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous BoNT/A receptor expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70. In yet aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous BoNT/A receptor expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is a naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor, such as, e.g., a BoNT/A receptor isoform or a BoNT/A receptor subtype. In other aspects of this embodiment, the endogenous BoNT/A receptor expressed by cells from an established clonal cell line is a naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., at least 70% amino acid identity, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70.

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express an exogenous BoNT/A receptor. In an aspect of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a naturally-occurring BoNT/A receptor. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express the naturally-occurring BoNT/A receptor of SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor, such as, e.g., a BoNT/A receptor isoform or a BoNT/A receptor subtype. In still other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., at least 70% amino acid identity, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70.

In another aspect of the embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70. In other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more non-contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally occurring BoNT/A receptor having, e.g., 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 7 or more, 8 or more, 9 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 30 or more, 40 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more contiguous amino acid substitutions, deletions, or additions relative to SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 69, or SEQ ID NO: 70

In another embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express an exogenous FGFR2, an exogenous FGFR3, an exogenous SV2, or any combination thereof. In aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a naturally-occurring FGFR2, a naturally-occurring FGFR3, a naturally-occurring SV2, or any combination thereof. In yet other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express a non-naturally-occurring FGFR2, a non-naturally-occurring FGFR3, a non-naturally-occurring SV2, or any combination thereof. In still other aspects of this embodiment, cells from an established clonal cell line are transiently or stably engineered to express either a naturally-occurring FGFR2 or a non-naturally-occurring FGFR2, a naturally-occurring FGFR3 or a non-naturally-occurring FGFR3, a naturally-occurring SV2 or a non-naturally-occurring SV2, or any combination thereof.

Cells that express one or more endogenous or exogenous BoNT/A receptors can be identified by routine methods including direct and indirect assays for toxin uptake. Assays that determine BoNT/A binding or uptake properties can be used to assess whether a cell is expressing a BoNT/A receptor. Such assays include, without limitation, cross-linking assays using labeled BoNT/A, such as, e.g., [1251] BoNT/A, see, e.g., Noriko Yokosawa et al., Binding of Clostridium botulinum type C neurotoxin to different neuroblastoma cell lines, 57(1) Infect. Immun. 272-277 (1989); Noriko Yokosawa et al., Binding of botulinum type CI, D and E neurotoxins to neuronal cell lines and synaptosomes, 29(2) Toxicon 261-264 (1991); and Tei-ichi Nishiki et al., Identification of protein receptor for Clostridium botulinum type B neurotoxin in rat brain synaptosomes, 269(14) J. Biol. Chem. 10498-10503 (1994). Other non-limiting assays include immunocytochemical assays that detect BoNT/A binding using labeled or unlabeled antibodies, see, e.g., Atsushi Nishikawa et al., The receptor and transporter for internalization of Clostridium botulinum type C progenitor toxin into HT-29 cells, 319(2) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 327-333 (2004) and immunoprecipitation assays, see, e.g., Yukako Fujinaga et al., Molecular characterization of binding subcomponents of Clostridium botulinum type C progenitor toxin for intestinal epithelial cells and erythrocytes, 150(Pt 5) Microbiology 1529-1538 (2004), that detect bound toxin using labeled or unlabeled antibodies. Antibodies useful for these assays include, without limitation, antibodies selected against BoNT/A, antibodies selected against a BoNT/A receptor, such as, e.g., FGFR2, FGFR3, or SV2, and/or antibodies selected against a ganglioside, such as, e.g., GD1a, GD1b, GD3, GQ1b, or GT1b. If the antibody is labeled, the binding of the molecule can be detected by various means, including Western blot analysis, direct microscopic observation of the cellular location of the antibody, measurement of cell or substrate-bound antibody following a wash step, flow cytometry, electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis, employing techniques well-known to those of skill in the art. If the antibody is unlabeled, one may employ a labeled secondary antibody for indirect detection of the bound molecule, and detection can proceed as for a labeled antibody. It is understood that these and similar assays that determine BoNT/A uptake properties or characteristics can be useful in identifying cells expressing endogenous or exogenous BoNT/A receptors.

Assays that monitor the release of a molecule after exposure to BoNT/A can also be used to assess whether a cell is expressing one or more endogenous or exogenous BoNT/A receptors. In these assays, inhibition of the molecule's release would occur in cells expressing a BoNT/A receptor after BoNT/A treatment. Well known assays include methods that measure inhibition of radio-labeled catecholamine release from neurons, such as, e.g., [3H] noradrenaline or [3H] dopamine release, see e.g., A Fassio et al., Evidence for calcium-dependent vesicular transmitter release insensitive to tetanus toxin and botulinum toxin type F, 90(3) Neuroscience 893-902 (1999); and Sara Stigliani et al., The sensitivity of catecholamine release to botulinum toxin C1 and E suggests selective targeting of vesicles set into the readily releasable pool, 85(2) J. Neurochem. 409-421 (2003), or measures catecholamine release using a fluorometric procedure, see, e.g., Anton de Paiva et al., A role for the interchain disulfide or its participating thiols in the internalization of botulinum neurotoxin A revealed by a toxin derivative that binds to ecto-acceptors and inhibits transmitter release intracellularly, 268(28) J. Biol. Chem. 20838-20844 (1993); Gary W. Lawrence et al., Distinct exocytotic responses of intact and permeabilised chromaffin cells after cleavage of the 25-kDa synaptosomal-associated protein (SNAP-25) or synaptobrevin by botulinum toxin A or B, 236(3) Eur. J. Biochem. 877-886 (1996); and Patrick Foran et al., Botulinum neurotoxin Cl cleaves both syntaxin and SNAP-25 in intact and permeabilized chromaffin cells: correlation with its blockade of catecholamine release, 35(8) Biochemistry 2630-2636 (1996). Other non-limiting examples include assays that measure inhibition of hormone release from endocrine cells, such as, e.g., anterior pituitary cells or ovarian cells. It is understood that these and similar assays for molecule release can be useful in identifying cells expressing endogenous or exogenous or BoNT/A receptors.

Assays that detect the cleavage of a BoNT/A substrate after exposure to a BoNT/A can also be used to assess whether a cell is expressing one or more endogenous or exogenous BoNT/A receptors. In these assays, generation of a BoNT/A substrate cleavage-product, or disappearance of the intact BoNT/A substrate, would be detected in cells expressing a BoNT/A receptor after BoNT/A treatment. Non-limiting examples of specific Western blot analysis, as well as well-characterized reagents, conditions and protocols are readily available from commercial vendors that include, without limitation, Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, N.J.; Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.; Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill.; Promega Corporation, Madison, Wis., and Stratagene, Inc., La Jolla, Calif. It is understood that these and similar assays for BoNT/A substrate cleavage can be useful in identifying cells expressing endogenous or exogenous BoNT/A receptors.

As non-limiting examples, Western blot analysis using an antibody that recognizes BoNT/A SNAP-25-cleaved product or both the cleaved and uncleaved forms of SNAP-25 can be used to assay for uptake of BoNT/A. Examples of α-SNAP-25 antibodies useful for these assays include, without limitation, SMI-81α-SNAP-25 mouse monoclonal antibody (Sternberger Monoclonals Inc., Lutherville, Md.), CI 71.1 mouse α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody (Synaptic Systems, Goettingen, Germany), CI 71.2 α-SNAP-25 mouse monoclonal antibody (Synaptic Systems, Goettingen, Germany), SP12 α-SNAP-25 mouse monoclonal antibody (Abcam, Cambridge, Mass.), α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antiserum (Synaptic Systems, Goettingen, Germany), α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antiserum S9684 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.), and α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antiserum (Abcam, Cambridge, Mass.).

Aspects of the present disclosure provide cells that through genetic manipulation or recombinant engineering are made to express an exogenous SNAP-25 and/or one or more exogenous BoNT/A receptors. Cells useful to express an exogenous SNAP-25 and/or one or more exogenous BoNT/A receptors through genetic manipulation or recombinant engineering include neuronal cells and non-neuronal cells that may or may not express an endogenous SNAP-25 and/or one or more endogenous BoNT/A receptors. It is further understood that such genetically manipulated or recombinantly engineered cells may express an exogenous SNAP-25 and one or more exogenous BoNT/A receptors under control of a constitutive, tissue-specific, cell-specific or inducible promoter element, enhancer element or both. It is understood that any cell is useful as long as the cell can be genetically manipulated or recombinantly engineered to expresses an exogenous SNAP-25 and/or one or more exogenous BoNT/A receptors and is capable of undergoing BoNT/A intoxication.

Methods useful for introducing into a cell an exogenous polynucleotide molecule encoding a component necessary for the cells to undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate, such as, e.g., a SNAP-25, a FGFR2, a FGFR3, or a SV2, include, without limitation, chemical-mediated delivery methods, such as, e.g., calcium phosphate-mediated, diethyl-aminoethyl (DEAE) dextran-mediated, lipid-mediated, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-mediated, polylysine-mediated and polybrene-mediated; physical-mediated delivery methods, such as, e.g., biolistic particle delivery, microinjection, protoplast fusion and electroporation; and viral-mediated delivery methods, such as, e.g., retroviral-mediated transfection, see e.g., Introducing Cloned Genes into Cultured Mammalian Cells, pp. 16.1-16.62 (Sambrook & Russell, eds., Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Vol. 3, 3^(rd) ed. 2001); Alessia Colosimo et al., Transfer and Expression of Foreign Genes in Mammalian Cells, 29(2) Biotechniques 314-318, 320-322, 324 (2000); Philip Washbourne & A. Kimberley McAllister, Techniques for Gene Transfer into Neurons, 12(5) Curr. Opin. Neurobiol. 566-573 (2002); and Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons, pp 9.16.4-9.16.11 (2000), each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. One skilled in the art understands that selection of a specific method to introduce a polynucleotide molecule into a cell will depend, in part, on whether the cell will transiently or stably contain a component necessary for the cells to undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate. Non-limiting examples of polynucleotide molecule encoding a component necessary for the cells to undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate as follows: FGFR2 polynucleotide molecule of SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 137, or SEQ ID NO: 138; FGFR3 polynucleotide molecule of SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 140, or SEQ ID NO: 141; SV2 polynucleotide molecule of SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 143, or SEQ ID NO: 144; and SNAP-25 polynucleotide molecule of SEQ ID NO: 145, or SEQ ID NO: 146.

Chemical-mediated delivery methods are well-known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and are described in, e.g., Martin Jordan & Florian Worm, Transfection of Adherent and Suspended Cells by Calcium Phosphate, 33(2) Methods 136-143 (2004); Chun Zhang et al., Polyethylenimine Strategies for Plasmid Delivery to Brain-Derived Cells, 33(2) Methods 144-150 (2004), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such chemical-mediated delivery methods can be prepared by standard procedures and are commercially available, see, e.g., CellPhect Transfection Kit (Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, N.J.); Mammalian Transfection Kit, Calcium phosphate and DEAE Dextran, (Stratagene, Inc., La Jolla, Calif.); Lipofectamine™ Transfection Reagent (Invitrogen, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.); ExGen 500 Transfection kit (Fermentas, Inc., Hanover, Md.), and SuperFect and Effectene Transfection Kits (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia, Calif.).

Physical-mediated delivery methods are well-known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and are described in, e.g., Jeike E. Biewenga et al., Plasmid-Mediated Gene Transfer in Neurons using the Biolistics Technique, 71(1) J. Neurosci. Methods. 67-75 (1997); John O'Brien & Sarah C. R. Lummis, Biolistic and Diolistic Transfection: Using the Gene Gun to Deliver DNA and Lipophilic Dyes into Mammalian Cells, 33(2) Methods 121-125 (2004); M. Golzio et al., In Vitro and In Vivo Electric Field-Mediated Permeabilization, Gene Transfer, and Expression, 33(2) Methods 126-135 (2004); and Oliver Gresch et al., New Non-Viral Method for Gene Transfer into Primary Cells, 33(2) Methods 151-163 (2004), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Viral-mediated delivery methods are well-known to a person of ordinary skill in the art and are described in, e.g., Chooi M. Lai et al., Adenovirus and Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors, 21(12) DNA Cell Biol. 895-913 (2002); Ilya Frolov et al., Alphavirus-Based Expression Vectors: Strategies and Applications, 93(21) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 11371-11377 (1996); Roland Wolkowicz et al., Lentiviral Vectors for the Delivery of DNA into Mammalian Cells, 246 Methods Mol. Biol. 391-411 (2004); A. Huser & C. Hofmann, Baculovirus Vectors: Novel Mammalian Cell Gene-Delivery Vehicles and Their Applications, 3(1) Am. J. Pharmacogenomics 53-63 (2003); Tiziana Tonini et al., Transient Production of Retroviral- and Lentiviral-Based Vectors for the Transduction of Mammalian Cells, 285 Methods Mol. Biol. 141-148 (2004); Manfred Gossen & Hermann Bujard, Tight Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotic Cells by Tetracycline-Responsive Promoters, U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,758; Hermann Bujard & Manfred Gossen, Methods for Regulating Gene Expression, U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,618; David S. Hogness, Polynucleotides Encoding Insect Steroid Hormone Receptor Polypeptides and Cells Transformed With Same, U.S. Pat. No. 5,514,578; David S. Hogness, Polynucleotide Encoding Insect Ecdysone Receptor, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,531; Elisabetta Vegeto et al., Progesterone Receptor Having C. Terminal Hormone Binding Domain Truncations, U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,791; Elisabetta Vegeto et al., Mutated Steroid Hormone Receptors, Methods for Their Use and Molecular Switch for Gene Therapy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,534, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such viral-mediated delivery methods can be prepared by standard procedures and are commercially available, see, e.g., VIRAPOWER™ Adenoviral Expression System (Invitrogen, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) and VIRAPOWER™ Adenoviral Expression System Instruction Manual 25-0543 version A, Invitrogen, Inc., (Jul. 15, 2002); and ADEASY™ Adenoviral Vector System (Stratagene, Inc., La Jolla, Calif.) and ADEASY™ Adenoviral Vector System Instruction Manual 064004f, Stratagene, Inc. Furthermore, such viral delivery systems can be prepared by standard methods and are commercially available, see, e.g., BD™ Tet-Off and Tet-On Gene Expression Systems (BD Biosciences-Clonetech, Palo Alto, Calif.) and BD™ Tet-Off and Tet-On Gene Expression Systems User Manual, PT3001-1, BD Biosciences Clonetech, (Mar. 14, 2003), GeneSwitch™ System (Invitrogen, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) and GENESWITCH™ System A Mifepristone-Regulated Expression System for Mammalian Cells version D, 25-0313, Invitrogen, Inc., (Nov. 4, 2002); VIRAPOWER™ Lentiviral Expression System (Invitrogen, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) and VIRAPOWER™ Lentiviral Expression System Instruction Manual 25-0501 version E, Invitrogen, Inc., (Dec. 8, 2003); and COMPLETE CONTROL® Retroviral Inducible Mammalian Expression System (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.) and COMPLETE CONTROL® Retroviral Inducible Mammalian Expression System Instruction Manual, 064005e.

As mentioned above, an exogenous component necessary for the cells to undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate, such as, e.g., a SNAP-25, a FGFR2, a FGFR3, or a SV2 disclosed in the present specification can be introduced into a cell. Any and all methods useful for introducing such an exogenous component with a delivery agent into a cell population can be useful with the proviso that this method introduce the exogenous component disclosed in the present specification in at least 50% of the cells within a given cell population. Thus, aspects of this embodiment can include a cell population in which, e.g., at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the given cell population contains an exogenous component necessary for the cells to undergo the overall cellular mechanism whereby a BoNT/A proteolytically cleaves a SNAP-25 substrate, such as, e.g., a SNAP-25, a FGFR2, a FGFR3, or a SV2 disclosed in the present specification. As used herein, the term “delivery agent” refers to any molecule that enables or enhances internalization of a covalently-linked, non-covalently-linked or in any other manner associated with a polypeptide into a cell. Thus, the term “delivery agent” encompasses, without limitation, proteins, peptides, peptidomimetics, small molecules, polynucleotide molecules, liposomes, lipids, viruses, retroviruses and cells that, without limitation, transport a covalently or non-covalently linked molecule to the cell membrane, cell cytoplasm or nucleus. It further is understood that the term “delivery agent” encompasses molecules that are internalized by any mechanism, including delivery agents which function via receptor mediated endocytosis and those which are independent of receptor mediated endocytosis.

A delivery agent can also be an agent that enables or enhances cellular uptake of a covalently linked component, like FGFR2, FGFR3, SV2, or SNAP-25, such as, e.g., by chemical conjugation or by genetically produced fusion proteins. Methods that covalently link delivery agents and methods of using such agents are described in, e.g., Steven F. Dowdy, Protein Transduction System and Methods of Use Thereof, International Publication No WO 00/34308; Gérard Chassaing & Alain Prochiantz, Peptides which can be Used as Vectors for the Intracellular Addressing of Active Molecules, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,724; Alan Frankel et al., Fusion Protein Comprising TAT-derived Transport Moiert, U.S. Pat. No. 5,674,980; Alan Frankel et al., TAT-derived Transport Polypeptide Conjugates, U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,641; Alan Frankel et al., TAT-derived Transport Polypeptides and Fusion Proteins, U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,604; Peter F. J. O'Hare et al., Use of Transport Proteins, U.S. Pat. No. 6,734,167; Yao-Zhong Lin & Jack J. Hawiger, Method for Importing Biologically Active Molecules into Cells, U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,746; Yao-Zhong Lin & Jack J. Hawiger, Method for Importing Biologically Active Molecules into Cells, U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,339; Yao-Zhong Lin et al., Sequence and Method for Genetic Engineering of Proteins with Cell Membrane Translocating Activity, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,558; Yao-Zhong Lin et al., Sequence and Method for Genetic Engineering of Proteins with Cell Membrane Translocating Activity, U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,680; Jack J. Hawiger et al., Method for Importing Biologically Active Molecules into Cells, U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,518; Yao-Zhong Lin et al., Sequence and Method for Genetic Engineering of Proteins with Cell Membrane Translocating Activity, U.S. Pat. No. 6,780,843; Jonathan B. Rothbard & Paul A Wender, Method and Composition for Enhancing Transport Across Biological Membranes, U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,993; Jonathan B. Rothbard & Paul A Wender, Method and Composition for Enhancing Transport Across Biological Membranes, U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,663; and Pamela B. Davis et al., Fusion Proteins for Protein Delivery, U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,817, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A delivery agent can also be an agent that enables or enhances cellular uptake of a non-covalently associated component, like FGFR2, FGFR3, SV2c, or SNAP-25. Methods that function in the absence of covalent linkage and methods of using such agents are described in, e.g., Gilles Divita et al, Peptide-Mediated Transfection Agents and Methods of Use, U.S. Pat. No. 6,841,535; Philip L Feigner and Olivier Zelphati, Intracellular Protein Delivery Compositions and Methods of Use, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0008813; and Michael Karas, Intracellular Delivery of Small Molecules, Proteins and Nucleic Acids, U.S. Patent Publication 2004/0209797, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such peptide delivery agents can be prepared and used by standard methods and are commercially available, see, e.g. the CHARIOT™ Reagent (Active Motif, Carlsbad, Calif.); BIO-PORTER® Reagent (Gene Therapy Systems, Inc., San Diego, Calif.), BIO TREK™ Protein Delivery Reagent (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif.), and PRO-JECT™ Protein Transfection Reagent (Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Rockford, Ill.).

Aspects of the present disclosure can also be described as follows:

-   1. An established clonal cell line comprising a cell susceptible to     intoxication by BoNT/A. -   2. The established clonal cell line of 1, wherein the clonal cell     line is selected from a parental SiMa cell line. -   3. The established clonal cell line of 1 or 2, wherein the cell is     susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by about 100 pM or less, by about     50 pM or less, by about 10 pM or less, by about 5 pM or less, by     about 1 pM or less, by about 0.5 pM or less, or by about 0.1 pM or     less of a BoNT/A. -   4. The established clonal cell line of 1 or 2, wherein     susceptibility to BoNT/A intoxication is measured before     differentiation of the cell. -   5. The established clonal cell line of 2, wherein in the     undifferentiated state, the cell exhibits at least a 1.5-fold     increase in gene expression of one or more genes relative to the     expression of the one or more genes in a cell from a 2D6 cell line,     the genes being taken from Table 5, or wherein the cell exhibits at     least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression of one or more genes     relative to the expression of the one or more genes in a cell from a     2D6 cell line, the genes being taken from Table 6. -   6. The established clonal cell line of 2, wherein in the     differentiated state, the cell exhibits at least a 1.5-fold increase     in gene expression of one or more genes relative to the expression     of the one or more genes in a cell from a 2D6 cell line, the genes     being taken from Table 9, or wherein the cell exhibits at least a     1.5-fold decrease in gene expression of one or more genes relative     to the expression of the one or more genes in a cell from a 2D6 cell     line, the genes being taken from Table 10. -   7. The established clonal cell line of 2, wherein in the     undifferentiated state, the cell exhibits at least a 1.5-fold     increase in gene expression of one or more genes relative to the     expression of the one or more genes in a cell from a parental SiMa     cell line, the genes being taken from Table 7, or wherein the cell     exhibits at least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression of one or     more genes relative to the expression of the one or more genes in a     cell from a parental SiMa cell line, the genes being taken from     Table 8. -   8. The established clonal cell line of 2, wherein in the     differentiated state, the cell exhibits at least a 1.5-fold increase     in gene expression of one or more genes relative to the expression     of the one or more genes in a cell from a parental SiMa cell line,     the genes being taken from Table 11, or wherein the cell exhibits at     least a 1.5-fold decrease in gene expression of one or more genes     relative to the expression of the one or more genes in a cell from a     parental SiMa cell line, the genes being taken from Table 12. -   9. The established clonal cell line of 1 or 2, wherein the cell     exhibits a sensitivity for BoNT/A activity that is 100 pM or less or     about 25 pM for about 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell     passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or     more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell     passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, 50 or     more cell passage, 55 or more cell passage, or 60 or more cell     passage. -   10. The established clonal cell line of 1 or 2, wherein the cell     from an established clonal cell line exhibits a well defined signal     to noise ratio for the upper asymptote for BoNT/A activity of at     least 3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1,     at least 8:1, at least 9:1, at least 10:1, over, e.g., 5 or more     cell passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages,     20 or more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell     passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or     more cell passages, 50 or more cell passage, 55 or more cell     passage, or 60 or more cell passage. -   11. An established clonal cell line comprising a cell susceptible to     intoxication by BoNT/A produced from a parental SiMa cell line,     wherein the cell is susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by about 100     pM or less, by about 50 pM or less, by about 10 pM or less, by about     5 pM or less, by about 1 pM or less, by about 0.5 pM or less, or by     about 0.1 pM or less of a BoNT/A. -   12. An established clonal cell line comprising cells susceptible to     intoxication by BoNT/A,     -   wherein the clonal cell line is selected from a parental SiMa         cell line; and     -   wherein the clonal cell line comprises cells susceptible to         BoNT/A intoxication by about 100 pM or less of a BoNT/A. -   13. The established clonal cell line of 12, wherein the parental     SiMa cell line is the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164. -   14. The established clonal cell line of 12, wherein the cell     exhibits a sensitivity for BoNT/A activity that is 100 pM or less or     about 25 pM for about 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell     passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or     more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell     passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, 50 or     more cell passage, 55 or more cell passage, or 60 or more cell     passage. -   15. The established clonal cell line of 12, wherein the cell from an     established clonal cell line exhibits a well defined signal to noise     ratio for the upper asymptote for BoNT/A activity of at least 3:1,     at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least     8:1, at least 9:1, at least 10:1, over, e.g., 5 or more cell     passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or     more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell     passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or     more cell passages, 50 or more cell passage, 55 or more cell     passage, or 60 or more cell passage. -   16. The established clonal cell line of 12, wherein susceptibility     to BoNT/A intoxication is measured before differentiation of the     cell or after differentiation of the cell. -   17. An established clonal cell line comprising cells susceptible to     intoxication by BoNT/A,     -   wherein the cells exhibits at least a 1.5-fold difference in         gene expression levels of three or more genes as compared to the         expression levels of these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell         line; wherein the gene expression levels are selected from th         group ADAMTS9, ASCL1, BASP1, DOK5, DPYD, GNB4, GNG11, GTSF1,         MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRSS12, RNF182, SLC44A5, SPARC,         TFPI2, and TPTE; and     -   wherein the clonal cell line comprises cells susceptible to         BoNT/A intoxication by about 100 pM or less of a BoNT/A. -   18. The established clonal cell line of 17, wherein the cells     exhibits at least a 2.0-fold difference in gene expression levels of     one or more genes as compared to the expression levels of these     genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line, at least a 3.0-fold     difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes as     compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the     2D6 cell line, or at least a 4.0-fold difference in gene expression     levels of one or more genes as compared to the expression levels of     these genes in cells from the 2D6 cell line. -   19. The established clonal cell line of 17, wherein the gene     expression levels are measured before differentiation of the cell or     after differentiation of the cell. -   20. The established clonal cell line of 17, wherein the cell     exhibits a sensitivity for BoNT/A activity that is 100 pM or less or     about 25 pM for about 5 or more cell passages, 10 or more cell     passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or more cell passages, 25 or     more cell passages, 30 or more cell passages, 35 or more cell     passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or more cell passages, 50 or     more cell passage, 55 or more cell passage, or 60 or more cell     passage. -   21. The established clonal cell line of 17, wherein the cell from an     established clonal cell line exhibits a well defined signal to noise     ratio for the upper asymptote for BoNT/A activity of at least 3:1,     at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least     8:1, at least 9:1, at least 10:1, over, e.g., 5 or more cell     passages, 10 or more cell passages, 15 or more cell passages, 20 or     more cell passages, 25 or more cell passages, 30 or more cell     passages, 35 or more cell passages, 40 or more cell passages, 45 or     more cell passages, 50 or more cell passage, 55 or more cell     passage, or 60 or more cell passage.

EXAMPLES Example I Screening for Cell Lines Comprising Cells Susceptible to BoNT/A Intoxication

The following example illustrates how to identify clonal cells from a parental established cell line that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or have neurotoxin uptake capacity.

1. Isolation of Clonal Cell Lines.

Companion patent application Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531 identified several established cell lines useful for conducting the disclosed immuno-based methods of detecting BoNT/A activity, including, e.g., LA1-55n (ECACC 06041203), N18 (ECACC 88112301), Neuro-2a (ATCC CCL-131), PC12 (ATCC CRL-1721), SH-SY5Y (ATCC CRL-2266), and SiMa (DSMZ ACC 164). During characterization of the SiMa cell line, it was discovered that the cells comprising this established cell line comprised at least five different cellular phenotypes. To determine whether any one of these phenotypically-distinct cell types was responsible for the susceptibility of this cell line to BoNT/A intoxication, two different limited-dilution screens were conducted to obtain single colony isolates for each phenotypically-distinct cell type.

In both screens, a suitable density of cells from a SiMa stock were grown in RPMI 1640 medium, having 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% Penicillin-Streptomycin, 2 mM L-Glutamine, contained in a T175 Collagen IV coated flask. After the second passage, the cells were trypsin-treated to produce a cell suspension and the cell concentration was determined. About 4.0×10⁶ cells from this cell suspension was transferred into a 50 mL tube and the cells were dissociated into single cells by repeated vigorous expulsion through an 18.5 gauge needle using a 10 mL syringe. Cells from this disassociated single-cell suspension were then diluted to a concentration of 0.2×10⁶ cells/mL by adding 15 mL of fresh growth medium, and 2.5 μL of this dilution was added to 50 mL of fresh growth medium to obtain a concentration of 10 cells/mL. From this final dilution stock, 100 μL of growth medium was added to each well of a 96-well Collagen IV coated plates (final average density of one cell/well), and the cells were grown undisturbed in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide for four weeks. A total of nineteen 96-well plates were setup for analysis. Plates were microscopically examined periodically to assess colony growth. After four weeks, each well was microscopically examined to identify growing colonies, and for each growing colony identified, 100 μL of fresh growth medium was added to each well and the cells were grown undisturbed in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide for two weeks. After two additional weeks of growth, the growing single colonies were trypsin-treated and transferred to a new 96-well plate for continued growth. Once colonies grew to about 1,000 cells, based on visual inspection, the cells were trypsin-treated and each cell-suspension was transferred into a new well from a 24-well Collagen IV-coated plate. The cells were grown in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide with fresh growth medium being replenished every 2-3 days, if needed. The cells were grown until the culture reached approximately 60% confluence or greater, at which point the cells were trypsin-treated and each cell-suspension was transferred into a 25 cm² Collagen IV-coated flask. The cells were grown in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide with fresh growth medium being replenished every 2-3 days, if needed. Once the cells in the flask reached 70-80% confluence, they were frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen until the clonal cell lines were tested to determine their susceptibility to BoNT/A intoxication. Of the 1,824 colony isolates initially setup from both screens, 130 clonal cell lines were selected based on viability and growth criteria and expanded for subsequent screening procedures.

2. Primary Screen for BoNT/A Intoxication Susceptibility of Cells from a Clonal Cell Line Using a BoNT/A Complex.

One way to determine whether cells from a clonal cell line were susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication was to conduct a primary screen using a CELLTITER-GLO® luminescent cell viability assay (Promega, Madison, Wis.) for normalizing the cell number in each well and an immuno-based method for determining BoNT/A activity as described in Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Two separate 96-well plates were set up, one for the BoNT/A activity assay and the other for the cell viability assay.

To conduct the BoNT/A activity assay, a lysate was prepared from cells treated with BoNT/A by plating cells from each isolated clonal cell line into a well from a poly-D-lysine 96-well plate (BD Biosciences, Bedford, Mass.). The wells contained 0.1 mL of a serum-free medium comprising Minimum Essential Medium, 2 mM GlutaMAXT™ I with Earle's salts, 1×B27 supplement, 1×N2 supplement, 0.1 mM Non-Essential Amino Acids, 10 mM HEPES and 25 μg/mL GT1b (302-011-M005, Alexis Biochemicals, San Diego, Calif.). These cells were incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until the cells differentiated, as assessed by standard and routine morphological criteria, such as growth arrest and neurite extension (approximately 3 days). The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with fresh media containing 1 nM of a BoNT/A complex. After a 24 hrs incubation, the cells were washed by aspirating the growth media and rinsing each well with 200 μL of 1×PBS. To harvest the cells, 1×PBS was aspirated, the cells lysed by adding 30 μl of Lysis Buffer comprising 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM EGTA, 1% Triton X-100 to each well, and the plate incubated on a shaker rotating at 500 rpm for 30 minutes at 4° C. The plate was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C. to pellet cellular debris and the supernatant was transferred to a capture antibody coated 96-well plate to perform the detection step.

To prepare an α-SNAP-25 capture antibody solution, the α-SNAP-25 mouse monoclonal antibody contained in the ascites from hybridoma cell line 2E2A6 (Example VII) was purified using a standard Protein A purification protocol.

To prepare an α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution, α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antibody S9684 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) was conjugated to Ruthenium(II)-tris-bipyridine-(4-methysulfonate) NHS ester labeling reagent (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.) according to the manufacturer's instructions (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.). The conjugation reaction was performed by adding 30 μL of distilled water reconstituted MSD SULFO-TAG™ stock solution to 200 μL of 2 mg/mL α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies and incubating the reaction at room temperature for 2 hours in the dark. The labeled antibodies were purified using a standard spin column protocol and the protein concentration determined using a standard colorimetric protein assay. The absorbance of the α-SNAP-25 antibody/MSD SULFO-TAG™ conjugate was measured at 455 nm using a spectrophotometer to determine the concentration in moles per liter. The detection antibody solution was stored at 4° C. until needed.

To prepare an α-SNAP-25 solid phase support comprising an α-SNAP-25 capture antibody, approximately 5 μL of the appropriate α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody solution (20 μg/mL in 1×PBS) is added to each well of a 96-well MSD High Bind plate and the solution is allowed to air dry in a biological safety cabinet for 2-3 hours in order to liquid evaporate the solution. The capture antibody-bound wells were sealed and stored at 4° C. until needed.

To detect the presence of a cleaved SNAP-25 product by ECL sandwich ELISA, the wells from an α-SNAP-25 solid phase support were then blocked by adding 150 μL of Blocking Buffer comprising 2% Amersham Blocking Reagent (GE Life Sciences, Piscataway, N.J.) and 10% goat serum (VWR, West Chester, Pa.) at room temperature for 2 hours. The Blocking Buffer was aspirated, 25 μL of a lysate from cells treated with BoNT/A was added to each well and the plates were incubated at 4° C. for overnight. Plate wells were washed three times by aspirating the cell lysate and rinsing each well three times with 200 μL 1×PBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). After washing, 25 μl of 5 μg/mL α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution comprising 2% Amersham Blocking Reagent in 1×PBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate) was added to each well, sealed, and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour with shaking. After α-SNAP-25 detection antibody incubation, the wells were washed three times with 200 μL 1×PBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). After washing 150 μL of 1×Read Buffer (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.) was added to each well and the plates were read using a SECTOR™ Imager 6000 Image Reader (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.). The raw data was collected using the ECL imager.

To conduct the luminescent cell viability assay, cells from each isolated clonal cell line were plated and differentiated as described above. The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with 100 μl of the reagent mixture comprising the CELLTITER-GLO® substrate and CELLTITER-GLO® buffer according to the manufacturer's instructions. The plate was then protected from light and mixed for two minutes on an orbital shaker. The solution from the 96-well cell plate with clear bottom was transferred to a white luminometer plate and after 10 minutes incubation was read on the luminometer.

These results indicated that the cell viability readings ranged from 9,838 to 10,423,188 and BoNT/A activity signals ranged from 84 to 27,242 (Table 1). In addition, a ratio of BoNT/A activity over cell viability was calculated to normalize the data, although there was not always a 1:1 ratio of viability and activity. Seven clonal cell lines exhibited activity/viability ratios of about 0.2×10⁻² or greater: H1, A7, A11, F10, A9, A10, and C11 (Table 1). Nine clonal cell lines exhibited activity/viability ratios of about 0.125×10⁻² to about 0.150×10⁻²: H3, H8, E11, H10, A6, C5, C12, D11, and B5 (Table 1). Two cell lines exhibited activity/viability ratios of about 0.100×10⁻²: D7 and B10 (Table 1). Based on these activity/viability ratios in conjunction with the cell viability and BoNT/A activity signal measurements, these 18 clonal cell lines were selected for further testing by conducting a secondary screen using a BoNT/A activity assay in order to generate a dose-response curve to BoNT/A.

TABLE 1 Primary Screen for Clonal Cell Lines Susceptible to BoNT/A Intoxication Using Viability and Activity Signals Cell Viability BoNT/A Reading Activity Activity/Viability Well (RLU) Signal (RLU) Ratio A1 2634417 2425 0.092 × 10⁻² B1 731808 198 0.027 × 10⁻² C1 4258160 1641 0.039 × 10⁻² D1 6554606 4885 0.075 × 10⁻² E1 2374483 897 0.038 × 10⁻² F1 2801444 1842 0.066 × 10⁻² G1 5094510 4579 0.090 × 10⁻² H1 3808699 10861 0.285 × 10⁻² A2 9593106 7090 0.074 × 10⁻² B2 5374966 5673 0.106 × 10⁻² C2 4170158 2972 0.071 × 10⁻² D2 31283 88 0.281 × 10⁻² E2 5706902 3743 0.066 × 10⁻² F2 4884798 4568 0.094 × 10⁻² G2 3552045 2190 0.062 × 10⁻² H2 3743690 3421 0.091 × 10⁻² A3 15372 89 0.579 × 10⁻² B3 5381672 1551 0.029 × 10⁻² C3 4270534 3959 0.093 × 10⁻² D3 48702 97 0.199 × 10⁻² E3 4707349 2671 0.057 × 10⁻² F3 3053132 1539 0.050 × 10⁻² G3 5518292 4195 0.076 × 10⁻² H3 4156632 6339 0.153 × 10⁻² A4 19793 89 0.450 × 10⁻² B4 6224766 4299 0.069 × 10⁻² C4 3212859 3202 0.100 × 10⁻² D4 4376180 2367 0.054 × 10⁻² E4 3931793 3975 0.101 × 10⁻² F4 1150134 526 0.046 × 10⁻² G4 19023 94 0.494 × 10⁻² H4 3368425 2645 0.079 × 10⁻² A5 8231689 7809 0.095 × 10⁻² B5 5332004 6545 0.123 × 10⁻² C5 3869441 5042 0.130 × 10⁻² D5 2554300 1161 0.045 × 10⁻² E5 3781403 764 0.020 × 10⁻² F5 4608801 3720 0.081 × 10⁻² G5 7105403 7330 0.103 × 10⁻² H5 5585607 7544 0.135 × 10⁻² A6 7698708 10152 0.132 × 10⁻² B6 4706560 3196 0.068 × 10⁻² C6 5866251 6145 0.105 × 10⁻² D6 2285787 768 0.034 × 10⁻² E6 2471979 1038 0.042 × 10⁻² F6 10958 91 0.830 × 10⁻² G6 19590 91 0.465 × 10⁻² H6 2057687 2564 0.125 × 10⁻² A7 10132753 27242 0.269 × 10⁻² B7 2977371 1642 0.055 × 10⁻² C7 5746577 4878 0.085 × 10⁻² D7 5861338 6044 0.103 × 10⁻² E7 2819910 1399 0.050 × 10⁻² F7 23523 84 0.357 × 10⁻² G7 6232344 4031 0.065 × 10⁻² H7 4916756 2759 0.056 × 10⁻² A8 5945833 5611 0.094 × 10⁻² B8 4591002 2128 0.046 × 10⁻² C8 5648241 8758 0.155 × 10⁻² D8 4207887 3360 0.080 × 10⁻² E8 5894699 3844 0.065 × 10⁻² F8 5585487 4651 0.083 × 10⁻² G8 4758800 4545 0.096 × 10⁻² H8 5439137 8017 0.147 × 10⁻² A9 10423188 20706 0.199 × 10⁻² B9 6493893 4444 0.068 × 10⁻² C9 5742047 5788 0.101 × 10⁻² D9 3424405 1848 0.054 × 10⁻² E9 5771943 8064 0.140 × 10⁻² F9 24524 88 0.359 × 10⁻² G9 7291510 6674 0.092 × 10⁻² H9 4169883 6048 0.145 × 10⁻² A10 9050811 17617 0.195 × 10⁻² B10 5590113 5175 0.093 × 10⁻² C10 2325807 1713 0.074 × 10⁻² D10 2644116 2589 0.098 × 10⁻² E10 4210945 2666 0.063 × 10⁻² F10 2932749 6390 0.218 × 10⁻² G10 3980127 3114 0.078 × 10⁻² H10 4519035 6187 0.137 × 10⁻² A11 9870025 24690 0.250 × 10⁻² B11 4973892 2235 0.045 × 10⁻² C11 3326448 6405 0.193 × 10⁻² D11 5747961 7169 0.125 × 10⁻² E11 5831546 8432 0.145 × 10⁻² F11 5291803 4317 0.082 × 10⁻² G11 3499587 2790 0.080 × 10⁻² H11 3225750 4518 0.140 × 10⁻² A12 9838 89 0.905 × 10⁻² B12 3728293 2016 0.054 × 10⁻² C12 4086862 5308 0.130 × 10⁻² D12 5044526 3860 0.077 × 10⁻² E12 4787913 2719 0.057 × 10⁻² F12 5101695 2585 0.051 × 10⁻² G12 2887390 1622 0.056 × 10⁻² H12 2829307 5105 0.180 × 10⁻²

To conduct BoNT/A activity assay in order to generate a dose-response curve to BoNT/A, cells from each isolated clonal cell line were seeded in a poly-D-lysine 96-well plate and differentiated as described above. Of the top 18 clonal cell lines selected for further testing, only 8 remained viable, the remaining 10 clonal cell lines failed to regrow and were lost. The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with fresh media containing either 0 (untreated sample), 0.03 pM, 0.1 pM, 0.3 pM, 0.9 pM, 2.8 pM, 8.3 pM, and 25 pM of a BoNT/A complex. After a 24 hrs treatment, the cells were washed, incubated for an additional two days in serum-free medium without toxin to allow for the cleavage of the SNAP-25 substrate, and harvested as described above. The supernatant was transferred to a capture antibody coated 96-well plate to perform the detection step.

The α-SNAP-25 capture antibody solution, the α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution, and the α-SNAP-25 solid phase support were prepared as described above. Detection of the presence of cleaved SNAP-25 product by ECL sandwich ELISA analysis was performed as described above. The raw data obtained from the ECL imager was then transferred to SigmaPlot v. 9.0 and a 4-parameter logistics fit was used to define the dose-response curves. There were no constraints used for the 4-parameter logistic function when plotting the data. Graphical reports were generated using the following analysis: R2 (correlation coefficient), a (Max for data set), b (hillslope), and X0±SE (EC₅₀ value±standard error).

These results indicate that of the 8 clonal cell lines tested, only two were more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication when compared to cells comprising the parental SiMa cell line (Table 2). For example, cells comprising the parental SiMa cell line exhibited an EC₅₀ activity for BoNT/A of 2.20 pM, whereas cells comprising the H1 and A10 cell lines exhibited an EC₅₀ activity for BoNT/A of 1.76 pM or less. Conversely, cells comprising the H10 and D11 cell line exhibited an EC₅₀ activity for BoNT/A that was higher than that observed for cells comprising the parental SiMa cell line, but less than 5.0 pM. It should be noted that any clonal cell line exhibiting an EC₅₀ activity for BoNT/A that is 5.0 pM or less (100 U/mL or less) is useful for an immuno-based method for determining BoNT/A activity described in Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531.

TABLE 2 Secondary Screen for Clonal Cell Lines Susceptible to BoNT/A Intoxication BoNT/A Activity Clone EC₅₀ (pM) Signal_(MIN) (RLU) Signal_(MAX) (RLU) SiMa 2.20 123  47,611 H1 0.77 193 125,252 H3 ND ND ND B5 >25.0    115  22,277 C5 ND ND ND A6 ND ND ND A7 5.59 153 100,412 D7 ND ND ND H8 ND ND ND A9 ND ND ND A10 1.76 207 113,029 B10 6.35 147 101,935 F10 >25.0    111  32,663 H10 2.80 171 120,975 A11 ND ND ND C11 ND ND ND D11 4.4     1.84 105,527 E11 ND ND ND C12 ND ND ND ND = Not determined. 3. Primary Screen for BoNT/A Intoxication Susceptibility of Cells from a Clonal Cell Line Using a Formulated BoNT/A Pharmaceutical Product.

Another way to determine whether cells from a clonal cell line were susceptibility to BoNT/A intoxication was to conduct a primary screen by generating a dose-response curve to BoNT/A and calculate the EC₅₀ value using an immuno-based method for determining BoNT/A activity as described in Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Initially six of 35 clonal cell line isolates were examined using a full dose response to BoNT/A. To prepare a lysate from cells treated with BoNT/A, cells from six clonal cell line were seeded in a poly-D-lysine 96-well plate and differentiated as described above in Section 2 except that the serum-free medium comprised 60 μg/mL GT1b. The clonal cell lines used were 3D8, YB8, 1D4, 2D6, 1E11, 2F5. The H1 and H10 clonal cell lines identified above, along with the parental SiMa cell line, were used as references to identify cell lines highly susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication. The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with fresh media containing either 0 (untreated sample), 0.98 U/mL, 1.9 U/mL, 3.91 U/mL, 7.81 U/mL, 15.6 U/mL, 31.3 U/mL, 62.5 U/mL, 125 U/mL, 250 U/mL, or 500 U/mL of a formulated BoNT/A pharmaceutical product. After a 24 hrs treatment, the cells were washed, incubated for an additional two days in serum-free medium without toxin to allow for the cleavage of the SNAP-25 substrate. To harvest the cells, 1×PBS was aspirated, the cells lysed by adding 30 μl of Lysis Buffer comprising 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM EGTA, 1% Triton X-100 to each well, and the plate incubated on a shaker rotating at 500 rpm for 30 minutes at 4° C. The plate was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C. to pellet cellular debris. The protein concentration was determined using standard methods. The supernatant was transferred to a capture antibody coated 96-well plate to perform the detection step of the immuno-based method.

The α-SNAP-25 capture antibody solution, the α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution, and the α-SNAP-25 solid phase support were prepared as described above in Section 2. Detection of the presence of SNAP-25 cleavage product by ECL sandwich ELISA analysis was performed, collected data was analyzed and the EC₅₀ calculated as described above in Section 2, except that SigmaPlot v. 10 was used.

These results show that clonal cell line H1 comprises cells that are more susceptible to BoNT/A than the parental SIMa cell line (Table 3). In addition, results indicate that although clonal cell lines H10, 1D4, 1E11, 2D6, 2F5, 3D8, and YB8 all comprise cells that are less susceptible to BoNT/A than the parental SiMa cell line, all have an EC₅₀ of BoNT/A activity that is below 30 U/mL (Table 3). It should be noted that any clonal cell line exhibiting an EC₅₀ activity for BoNT/A that is 100 U/mL or less (5.0 pM or less) is useful for an immuno-based method for determining BoNT/A activity described in Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531.

TABLE 3 Primary Screen for Clonal Cell Lines Susceptible to BoNT/A Intoxication BoNT/A Activity Clone EC₅₀ (U/mL) Signal_(MIN) (RLU) Signal_(MAX) (RLU) SiMa 10.8 ± 1.0 10,519 253,484 H1 10.2 ± 0.6 13,996 276,982 H10 22.2 ± 2.0 5,379 296,168 1D4 22.4 ± 0.8 6,064 239,096 1E11 14.2 ± 1.7 8,698 276,323 2D6 27.3 ± 1.8 3,347 179,454 2F5 15.8 ± 0.9 7,007 265,461 3D8 13.4 ± 0.6 11,658 266,279 YB8 19.7 ± 1.3 8,477 293,559

This initial primary screen using a dose-response curve with the 10 different BoNT/A concentrations identified three concentrations that were useful for a shortened assay using 3 different BoNT/A concentrations, with one concentration being slightly higher than the lower asymptote (8 U/mL), one concentration near the EC₅₀ (25 U/mL), and one concentration representing about 80% of the upper asymptote (80 U/mL). In these subsequent primary screens the remaining 29 clonal cell line isolates were tested as described above except that the cells were treated with either 0 (untreated sample), 8 U/mL, 25 U/mL, or 80 U/mL of a formulated BoNT/A pharmaceutical product. The clonal cell lines tested were 1E3, 2B9, 2D2, 2E4, 3B8, 3D5, 3G10, 4B5, 4C8, 4D3, 5C10, 5F3, AC9, AF4, BB3, BB10, BE3, BF8, CC11, CD6, CE6, CG8, CG10, DC4, DD10, DE7, DF5, YB7, and YF5. In addition, the parental SiMa was used as positive control.

These results show that clonal cell lines 2E4, 3B8, 3D5, 5F3, AF4, BB3, BB10, and DC4 all comprise cells that are more susceptible to BoNT/A than the parental SiMa cell line (Table 4). In addition, these results indicate that clonal cell lines 1E3, 2B9, 3G10, 4B5, 4C8, AC9, BE3, BF8, CC11, CD6, CE6, CG8, CG10, DD10, DE7, and YF5 all comprise cells that are of similar susceptibility to BoNT/A to that of the parental SiMa cell line (Table 4). Lastly, these results reveal that clonal cell lines 2D2, 4D3, 5C10, DF5, and YB7 all comprise cells that are less susceptible to BoNT/A than the parental SiMa cell line (Table 4).

TABLE 4 Primary Screen for Clonal Cell Lines Susceptible to BoNT/A Intoxication 8 U/mL BoNT/A 25 U/mL BoNT/A 80 U/mL BoNT/A Activity Signal Fold Activity Signal Fold Activity Signal Fold Clone (RLU) Difference (RLU) Difference (RLU) Difference SiMa 75811/80562* — 138952/175685* — 173979/225768* — 1E3 71040 0.9 128771 0.9 155107 0.9 2B9 66962 0.9 135006 1.0 166871 1.0 2D2  60224* 0.8  136947* 0.8  199786* 0.9 2E4 103680  1.4 217980 1.6 270463 1.6 3B8 123521  1.6 227367 1.6 249218 1.4 3D5 113532  1.5 201683 1.5 270578 1.6 3G10 83049 1.1 130930 0.9 175540 1.0 4B5 74344 1.0 137604 1.0 177363 1.0 4C8 87047 1.1 144395 1.0 185115 1.1 4D3 38063 0.5  80180 0.6 101724 0.6 5C10  16024* 0.2  49030 0.3  116396* 0.6 5F3  98263* 1.7  182902* 1.4  212275* 1.5 AC9  60016* 1.0  127030* 1.0  180384* 1.4 AF4 115460  1.5 179901 1.3 190867 1.1 BB3 74668 1.3 120966 1.4 170177 1.4 BB10 152748  2.0 232406 1.7 266555 1.5 BE3 100849  1.0 199487 0.9 236415 1.0 BF8  55763* 1.0  111746* 1.0  153074* 1.3 CC11  54421* 1.0  123576* 1.0  155337* 1.2 CD6 74970 1.0 151862 1.1 183377 1.1 CE6 70019 0.9 146292 1.1 208184 1.2 CG8  81790* 1.0  159098* 1.0  189209* 1.3 CG10 69503 0.9 141079 1.0 185801 1.1 DC4 112085  1.5 163319 1.2 169352 1.0 DD10 116325  1.5 205445 1.5 223473 1.3 DE7  60994* 0.9  131237* 0.9  174487* 0.9 DF5  34,165* 0.5  104,696* 0.7  179,314* 0.9 YB7 50433 0.7 103707 0.7 143423 0.8 YF5 65848 0.9 122487 0.9 146263 0.4 *Two separate screens were done. In the first, the signal detected for the SiMa cell line was 75811 RLU and this value was used to determine the fold difference for clonal cell lines tested in this screen (numbers with no asterisk). For the second screen, the signal detected for the SiMa cell line was 80562 RLU and this value was used to determine the fold difference for clonal cell lines tested in this screen (numbers with asterisk).

Example II Stability Analysis of Clonal Cell Lines

The following example illustrates how to characterize the stability of cells from an established clonal cell line that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or have neurotoxin uptake capacity.

During characterization of the SiMa cell line, it was determined that the parental SiMa cell line became unstable in terms of a significant loss of sensitivity to BoNT/A. For example, prior to passage 13, cells comprising the parental SiMa cell line routinely exhibited an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity that was under 5.0 pM. However, after passages about 14 to about 20 passages, cells comprising the parental SiMa cell exhibited an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity that was routinely over 25.0 pM. One reason for this dramatic reduction in the EC₅₀ value may be because the SiMa cell line is heterogeneous in nature since it comprises at least five different cell types. Over time, one of these cell types could overtake the culture to the exclusion of the other four. If the overtaking cell type was less susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, or not susceptible at all, then as this cell type became the dominant one in the cell line the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity in this overtaken SiMa cell line would decrease. Thus, because the established clonal cell lines were derived from only one of these cell types, then it follows that the clonal cell line would exhibit greater stability in terms of maintaining an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity that was routinely under 5.0 pM.

To determine whether the cells from the established clonal cell lines showed increased stability relative to the cells comprising the parental SIMa cell line, the EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity was determined for clonal cell lines BB10, H1, H10, and the parental SiMa cell line at different passage numbers using an immuno-based method for determining BoNT/A activity. The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with fresh media containing either 0 (untreated sample), 0.98 U/mL, 1.9 U/mL, 3.91 U/mL, 7.81 U/mL, 15.6 U/mL, 31.3 U/mL, 62.5 U/mL, 125 U/mL, 250 U/mL, or 500 U/mL of a formulated BoNT/A pharmaceutical product. After a 24 hrs treatment, the cells were washed, incubated for an additional two days in serum-free medium without toxin to allow for the cleavage of the SNAP-25 substrate, and harvested as described above. The supernatant was transferred to a capture antibody coated 96-well plate to perform the detection step.

Similarly, the preparation of the α-SNAP-25 capture antibody solution, α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution, and the solid phase support comprising an α-SNAP-25 capture antibody were as described in Section 3. Lastly, detection of the presence of SNAP-25 cleavage product by ECL sandwich ELISA was performed, collected data was analyzed, and the EC₅₀ calculated as described above in Section 2, except that PLA v. 2 was used for the 4-parameter logistics fit.

The results from this stability experiments indicated that BB10, H1 and H10 cell lines all exhibited increase stability as compared to the parental SiMa cell line. For example, where cells from the parental SiMa cell line exhibited an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity that was over 500 U/mL (or 25 pM) after passages about 14 to about 20 passages, cells comprising the BB10, H1 and H10 cell lines all exhibited an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity that was below 10 U/mL (or 0.5 pM) after passage about 30.

Example III Gene Expression Profile of Cell Lines Comprising Cells Susceptible to BoNT/A Intoxication

The following example illustrates how to characterize cells from an established clonal cell line that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or have neurotoxin uptake capacity by gene expression profiling.

To determine the changes in genome-wide gene transcription levels in cells susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, gene expression analysis was performed on cells from H1, BB10, 2D6 and the parental SiMa cell line, in both differentiated and undifferentiated states using GENECHIP® U133 Plus 2 microarray technology (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's instructions, see, e.g., GENECHIP® Expression Analysis Technical Manual, 702232, Rev. 2 (2006) which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

To prepare differentiated cells for these cell lines, a suitable density of cells from the H1, BB10, 2D6, and SiMa cell lines were seeded in separate T175 tissue culture flasks containing 50 mL of a serum-free medium comprising Enhanced Minimum Essential Medium, 10 mM HEPES, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 0.1 mM Non-Essential Amino Acids, 1×B27 supplement, 1×N2 supplement, and 60 μg/mL GT1b (302-011-M005, Alexis Biochemicals, San Diego, Calif.). These cells were incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until the cells differentiated, as assessed by standard and routine morphological criteria, such as growth arrest and neurite extension, and attained 80% confluence (approximately 3 days). The cells were then washed with 50 mL of 1×PBS, trypsin-treated for 5 min at room temperature, and then 15 mL of growth medium was added to the flask to inactivate the trypsin. The cell suspension was transferred to a 50 mL tube and centrifuge at 200 RCF for 5 min at room temperature to pellet the cells. The cell pellet was washed once in 50 mL of 1×PBS, centrifuge at 200 RCF for 5 min at room temperature to pellet the cells, and the supernatant was removed. The cell pellet was quick frozen on dry ice and stored at −80° C. until needed.

To prepare undifferentiated cells for these cell lines, a suitable density of cells from the H1, BB10, 2D6, and SiMa cell lines were seeded in separate T175 tissue culture flasks containing 50 mL of growth medium comprising RPMI 1640, 10% fetal bovine serum, 10 mM HEPES, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 0.1 mM Non-Essential Amino Acids, and 60 μg/mL GT1b. These cells were incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until the cells attained 80% confluence (approximately 3 days). The cells were then processed as described above and the cell pellet was quick frozen on dry ice and stored at −80° C. until needed.

To prepare total RNA, cells for each cell line were lysed and total RNA isolated and purified using a RNA isolation kit (QIAGEN, Valencia, Calif.) according to the manufacturer's protocols. DNA was digested using an on-column DNase I procedure (QIAGEN, Valencia, Calif.). RNA was quantified photospectrometrically at 260 nm and purity assessed by the A260A280 ratio using a spectrophotometer. RNA integrity was assessed using a Bioanalyser 2100 (Agilent Technologies, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.). Extracted total RNA aliquots were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80° C.

To prepare cDNA probes for the gene microarray chips, about 1-15 μg was reversed transcribed using a T7-Oligo(dT) promoter primer in the first strand cDNA synthesis reaction. Following RNase H-mediated second strand cDNA synthesis, the double-stranded cDNA was purified and served as a template for subsequent in vitro transcription reaction. The in vitro transcription reaction was carried out in the presence of T7 RNA polymerase and a biotinylated nucleotide analog/ribonucleotide mix for complementary RNA (cRNA) amplification and biotin labeling. The biotinylated cRNA targets were then cleaned up, fragmented, and hybridized to microchip expression arrays for 17 hours at 65° C. according to the manufacturer's instructions, see, e.g., GENECHIP® Expression Analysis Technical Manual, 702232, Rev. 2 (2006) which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. To identify substantial treatment-related up- or down-regulated gene expression differences compared to control cell lines, greater than 1.5-fold differences (log₂ 0.58) were considered significant, and only those genes that displayed consistent changes in expression in the triplicate analysis were considered (Tables 5-12).

Expression profiling for cell lines H1, BB10 and 2D6 analyzed in the undifferentiated state revealed that 1,323 genes were identified as having their expression levels increase by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the 2D6 cell line (Table 5). Of these, 686 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line; and 231 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line. With respect to decreased expression, 1,438 genes were identified as having their expression levels decreased by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the 2D6 cell line (Table 6). Of these, 668 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line; and 107 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line. Expression profiling for cell lines H1, BB10 and 2D6 analyzed in the differentiated state revealed that 2,556 genes were identified as having their expression levels increased by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the 2D6 cell line (Table 7). Of these, 1,634 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line; and 696 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line. With respect to decreased expression, 2,087 genes were identified as having their expression levels decreased by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the 2D6 cell line (Table 8). Of these, 1,215 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line; and 280 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line.

Expression profiling for cell lines H1, BB10 and SiMa analyzed in the undifferentiated state revealed that 1,232 genes were identified as having their expression levels increase by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the SiMa parental cell line (Table 9). Of these, 764 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line; and 228 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line. With respect to decreased expression, 1,265 genes were identified as having their expression levels decreased by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the SiMa parental cell line (Table 10). Of these, 648 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line; and 189 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line.

Expression profiling for cell lines H1, BB10 and SiMa analyzed in the differentiated state revealed that 756 genes were identified as having their expression levels increase by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the SiMa parental cell line (Table 11). Of these, 472 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line; and 150 genes exhibited an increase in expression levels in H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line. With respect to decreased expression, 912 genes were identified as having their expression levels decreased by 1.5-fold (log₂ 0.58) or more in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to the gene expression levels obtained from the SiMa parental cell line (Table 12). Of these, 411 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 2-fold (log₂ 1.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line; and 108 genes exhibited a decrease in expression levels in H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the SiMa parental cell line.

Example IV Pathway Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles from Clonal Cell Lines

The following example illustrates how to characterize gene expression profiles from clonal cells from an established clonal cell line that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or have neurotoxin uptake capacity in order to identify biological networks or pathways associated with BoNT/A intoxication.

An Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) Core Analysis (Ingenuity Systems Inc., Redwood City, Calif.) was performed to characterize the RNA expression phenotype of two independently derived BoNT/A very sensitive single clone cell lines, BB10 and H1, compared to a related but much less BoNT/A sensitive single clone cell line, 2D6. The analysis was done to identify the specific gene expression phenotype of a BoNT/A sensitive cell line. The result can also be used to predict and potentially identify proteins that function to enhance BoNT/A uptake.

An Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) Core Analysis was performed that identified biologically relevant networks to BoNT/A intoxication based on connectivity among the genes from an IPA library and the genes exhibiting significant changes as determined from the expression profiling discussed above. For this analysis, all genes that exhibited an increased or decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines by 4-fold (log₂ 2.0) or more as compared to the expression level for these genes determined from the 2D6 cell line were used, in conjunction with, selected genes with known or suspected relevance to BoNT/A intoxication, hereafter referred to as the Profile genes. The significance of the association to a given network was measured and ranked by the ratio of the number of Profile genes that mapped to the specific network divided by the total number of genes that map to that network. Fishers exact test was used to calculate p-scores, which represent the association between the Profile genes and the network, and based on the p-scores the genes from the Profile genes were used to rank the networks. The p-scores were derived from p-values. If there are n genes in the network and f of them are Profile genes, then the p-value is the probability of finding f or more Profile genes in a set of n genes randomly selected from the Global Molecular Network. Since significant p-values are quite low (e.g., 1×10⁻⁸), a p-score was defined as the component of the p-value; p-score=−log 10 (p-value). The identified networks were overlaid with differentially expressed genes which had more than 1.5-fold differential expression and a p-value 0.001 either before or after differentiation.

Using IPA Core Analysis the differentially expressed Profile genes were connected to 26 Networks. Nineteen of these included 10 or more Profile genes (Table 13). Among these nineteen networks three overall networks groups, named A, B and C were identified (Table 13). Within the networks in these three groups there were overlapping genes and the expression for more than three genes was increased after differentiation. Group A genes include the FGFR2 receptor which has been shown to function in the BoNT/A intoxication process as a receptor for BoNT/A and are as follows: genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ANXA2, AQP1, ARHGAP9, CDH10, CDKN2A, CHPT1, CNTN2, ERAP1, and RGS11; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ADAMTS9, ATAD2, C11ORF82, CDC45L, CNTN1, CNTN4, Cyclin A, Cyclin E, E2F1, E2F2, E2F7, ELOVL7, EME1, FGFR, FGFR2, KIAA1524, MELK, MYBL1, MYBL2, NDC80, NDN, ORC1L, PLS3, PRIMAL, RAD54L, RBL1, RBPMS, RRM2, S1PR3, SCLY, SLCIA3, SPC24, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TFDP1, TFP12, TK1, TMEM35, TTK, TWIST1, TYMS, TYK, and ZWINT.

Group B genes include the EGFR, a receptor which is regulated by NGF, which has been shown to increase BoNT/A uptake in cell culture experiments and are as follows: genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ABCC8, AELIM3, CAP2, IL17B, MEF2A, NEEBL, PHC, S100A6, SLC1A6, SMAD1, SMAD5, SMAD8, SYT13, and SYTL1; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, AURKB, BIRC5, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, BUB1B, CD9, DLGAP3, DYNLT3, ENC1, FBLN1, FOXM1, Gβy, GNAI1, GNG11, GNG12, GPSM2, GUCY1B3, HGF, ITGA6, JNK, KCNJ5, KIF18A, KITLG, MMD, MSN, MYRIP, NEK2, NR3C1, NXPH1, OSBPL3, PKMYT1, PTPRM, RAD51, RAD51AP1, SLC7A2, SLC43A3, SMC6, SNAI2, SNCAIP, SSH2, STK17A, SYNPO2, TOP2A, TPTE, TRAF4, TSPAN, TSPAN4, UBE3, UBE3B, and VAV3.

Group C genes include a number of microtubule motor proteins of the kinesin family that may function in the intracellular trafficking of BoNT/A and are as follows: genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, CSTB, GPCR, GRIMS, KISSR, SCN2A, SLC1A2, and THBS2; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ALCAM, AURKA, CHEK, CIT, CSRP2, E2F, ECT2, EFNB2, ERK, ESPL1, GNAI, GPR161, HMMR, KIF4A, KIF14, KIF15, KIF22, KIF23, KIFC1, LPAR1, MK167, OIP5, PHLPP, PP1/PP2A, PPP1R3C, PRC1, PTTG1, RACGAP, RB, RGS5, SDC2, and TPX2.

The remaining networks identified did not share common genes between any other network. For Network 3, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ADARB1, ADM, PTPPH, and SLCO1A2; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ASCL1, HES6, MAPK, NMU, PEG3, PTPRK, PRLHR, PTPRK, SGOL2, SPARC, and ZNF217. For Network 6, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, CNGA3, HIST1H3E and PTGS1; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ASF1B, BASP1, CHAF1A, NCAPH, PBK, PRAME, SMC2, UHRF1, and VRK1. For Network 9, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, HIST1H2BD and OSCAR; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, C14ORF106, CEP72, KIF20A, PCNA, PEX13, PFCS, POLQ, SPAGS, SYTL4, TROAP, and WDR51A. For Network 12, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ANLN, ARHGAP24, ASPM, BUB1, CCDC99, CEP55, CKAP2, DRAM, E2F8, PLXNA2, SLC16A10, UBE2C, UBE2S, and WDHD1. For Network 13, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, CALY; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ARHGEF3, CTSL2, DIAPH3, FBP1, KIF2C, KIF11, PFKFB3, and PLK4. For Network 14, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, COL5A1 and MICAL2; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, FNDCS, HSPC159, MAB21L2, SLITRKS, SYN2, and ZNF367. For Network 15, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, OLFML2A and SIGIRR; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, EXO1, KCTD12, MYO6, PHEBL1, SHCBP1, TPBG, and TUBB6. For Network 17, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, HPCAL1 and LPARS; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, BTG3, GABRAS, TR1P10, and ZNF521. For Network 19, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, HTR1E and SORCS1; genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, BNC2, DPYD, EMILIN2, PPIL5, and TACC3.

TABLE 13 IPA Core Analysis of Profile Genes Expression Profile Undifferentiated Gene State Group Network Proteins in Network pvalue Number Decreased A 1 ADAMTS9, ATAD2, CDC45L, 51 30 CDKN2A CDKN2A, CNTN1, CNTN2, Cyclin A, Cyclin E, DIRAS3, E2F1, E2F2, E2F7, FGFR2, HDAC, MYBL1, MYBL2, NDC80, NDN, NFkB, ORC1L, PLS3, RAD54L, RBL1, RRM2, S1PR3, SPC24, SPC25, TFDP1, TFPI2, TK1, TNFRSF10D, TTK, TYMS, TYK, ZWINT C 2 ALCAM, ANK2, ANK3, AURKA, 46 28 ANK2, ANK3, DOK5, E2F, ERK, ESPL1, GDF15, PHKA2, GFRA2, HMMR, ITGA9, KIF15, PPP2R2C, KIF22, KISS1R, KPNA, KPNB, LGI1, SCN2A, MAFB, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, MKI67, NRG3, OIP5, PHKA2, PHLPP, POSTN, PP1/PP2A, PP2A, PPP1R3C, PPP2R2B, PPP2R2C, PTTG1, RAF1, RB, SCN2A, TPX2 — 3 ADARB1, ADM, AKAP12, ALP, 46 28 ADARB1, GRIP2, ASCL1, BHLHB2, CRH, DLL1, SLCO1A2 FRZB, FSH, GRIA2, GRIP2, hCG, HES6, HTATIP2, IL13RA2, MAPK, NMU, PDGF BB, PDLIM3, PEG3, PLAT, PPFIA4, PRLHR, PTPRH, PTPRK, SGOL2, SLCO1A2, SMAD6, SPARC, STC1, TEAD4, TGFB, VEGF, ZNF217 C 4 AKT, ACTN1, ACTN2, ACTN3, 43 27 CSTB, GPCR, ATF5, ATM/ATR, BDKRB2, CHEK1, GRIM5, SLC1A2 CHEK2, CIT, CSRP2, CSTB, CTSH, ECT2, EFNB2, ELMO1, GNAI, GABBR2, GPCR, GPR161, GRM5, ICAM2, KIF4A, KIF14, KIF23, KIFC1, LPAR1, MMP, PDGFA PDGFB, PRC1, RAC, RAC2, RACGAP1, RGS5, SDC2, SLC1A2, THBS2 B 5 ABLIM3, F-ACTF, G-ACT, CD9, 38 25 SYT13, S100A6 CXCR4, DTNA, ENC1, FNBP1, Gβγ, GNAI1, GNG11, GNG12, GPSM2, ITG, ITA5, ITGA6, JNK, KCNJ4, MLC, MSN, MYRIP, NOX, NET1, NRXN1, NXPH1, PI3K, RHO, S100A6, STK17A, SYT13, SYTL1, TRAF4, TSPAN, TSPAN3, TSPAN4, VAV3 — 6 ADCY, ADCY1, AP1, ASF1B, 36 24 CAMK2B ATP2B4, BASP1, BCL11B, CAM, CAMK2B, CHAF1A, CNGA3, CYP2E1, DACH1, HIST1H3E, HISH3, HRH3, HSP90, IL1, IL12, INS, INFA, ISG20, KCNN2, LDL, MMP14, NCAPH, PBK, PDGF, PIAS1, PRAME, PTGS1, SEC31A, SMC2, UHRF1, VRK1 B 7 BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, 32 24 CAP2, CNA, BUB1B, CNA, CAP2, CK2, DLGAP5, PHLDA2, PKC(s) FAT, GUCY1B3, HSP70, KITLG, MEF2A, NEK2, NFAT, NR3C1, NF1, PHLDA2, PKC(s), RAD51, RAD51AP1, TOP2, SAMD4A, SLC1A6, SMC6, SNAI2, SNCAIP, STAT5a, STAT5b, TCF7L2, UBE3, UBE3B, UBN, XPO1 B 8 CBP, AURKB, BIRC5, CACNA1D, 30 21 KCNMA1, CBP/p300, CD3, CREB, CREB5, NDRG1, RAS DBH, EGR1, ERK1, ERK2, FBLN1, FBN1, FOXM1, HGF, INCENP, KCNMA1, LGALS1, MAOA, MEK, NDRG1, NID1, P38 MAPK, PKA, PKMYT1, PRKAC, PRKACB, RAF, RAP1, RAS, RGMA, RSK, SMAD1, SMAD5, SMAD8, SYNPO2, TOP2A — 9 C14ORF106, CDKN1A, CEP72, 19 15 — DHX8, FKBPL, HIST1H2BD, HNF4A, KIF20A, KRT18, MTHFS, OSCAR, PCGF5, PCNA, PELO, PEX13, PFC5, POLD4, POLK, POLL, POLM, POLQ, POLS, R3HDM1, RASL12, RFC5, SLC33A1, SPAG5, STAT4, SULT1A1, SULT1C2, SYTL4, TCEAL3, TROAP, VEZT, WDR51A, ZBTB16 A 10 ARHGAP9, CDH10, CDS1, CDS2, 18 15 CHPT1 CHPT1, CNTN4, ELOVL7, EME1, FGFR, GAS6, HAND1, IFI202B, ISL1, KIAA1524, KRT74, MIRN31, MUS81, MYF6, MYOD1, NFYB, OTX1, PRIMA1, QKI, RBM9, RBPMS, RORA, SHOX2, SLC39A8, SOX2, SOX15, ST8SIA4, STAT3, TWIST1, VPS39, ZFHX3 B 11 ALDH3A2, B3GALT2, BAMBI, 18 15 PHLDA2 CNN2, CTNNAL1, CTNNB1, CTSC, CUGBP2, DYNLT3, IL13, KIF18A, LIN7C, MFI2, MPP5, MRC2, NDST1, PDGF-CC, PHLDA2, PLAU, PPM1J, PPP1CA, PTPN14, PTPRM, SLC16A3, SLC26A2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SSH2, STK17A, TAX1BP3, TCF7L1, TGFB1, TPTE, TSPAN8 — 12 AHR, AHRR, ANLN, APH1B, 17 15 HS3ST1 ARHGAP24, ASPM, BUB1, CCDC99, CEP55, CKAP2, DRAM, E2F8, HS3ST1, JPH1, MIRN124-1, NMT2, PDZRN3, PLXNA2, PMM1, PPP1R13L, PVRL3, RFFL, S100A2, SLC16A10, TP53, UBE2A, UBE2C, UBE2D2, UBE2S, UBE2V1, UBE2V2, UBL3, VPS37C, WDHD1 — 13 ARHGEF3, CALY, CSH2, CTSL2, 17 14 CALY DIAPH3, ECEL1, FBP1, FFAR2, FRAT2, GSK3B, HSD17B4, IL6, IL19, KIF11, KIF2C, KNG1, LARGE, LEFTY2, LGR5, LIF, LPAR3, MPZ, MSLN, ORM2, PFKFB3, PLK4, PMP22, PRPH, PRSS8, PTGER3, SCN7A, SCNN1B, SLC4A11, TAL1 — 14 AGT, AGTRAP, Beta ARK, CADPS, 15 13 CPNE3 CD160, COL5A1, CPNE8, FNDC5, HSPC159, INA, ITGA7, LIMA1, LPP, MAB21L2, MAPK1, MERTK, MICAL2, MIRN294, MIRN185, MIRN352, NTN1, PLCG1, PLCG2, PTGFR, RASGEF1B, RBM4B, RSU1, SKAP1, SLITRK5, SPRED1, ST8SIA2, SYN2, TGFB3, TNS1, ZNF367 — 15 ACT1, BAG5, CPVL, EXO1, GIPC1, 15 13 — GJC1, GPR37, HSPA5, HSPA1A, HSPBP1, IkBKB, KCTD12, MAP3K3, MAP3K14, MEKK3/NIK, MIRN30B, MYO6, OLFML2A, PELI3, RHEBL1, RNF126, RPL10A, RPN1, SEC16A, SHC1, SHCBP1, SIGIRR, TJP3, TPBG, TRAF6, TRAF2-TRAF5, TRAF2-TRAF5, TRAF6, TUBB6, TUBB2B B 16 ABCC8, BACE2, CLASP1, 15 13 IL17B COLEC12, CXCR7, DACT1, ENTPD5, FGD6, FMO1, GSTT1, IL17B, KRT34, KYNU, LAMP3, LMCD1, MIRN101B, MMD, NEBL, NFRKB, OSBPL3, PCDH8, PEMT, RASAL2, SAMD4A, ST3GAL3, SYNGR3, SYNPO2, TNF, TNNC1, TXN2, YWHAG, ZNF267, ZYX — 17 ARPP-19, BTG3, CBFA2T2, CBLN1, 14 13 HPCAL1 CNGA2, EBF1, EGF, EGFR, GABA, GABRA5, GABRB3, GABRD, GABRR1, HDAC9, HPCAL1, HTT, IDS, INSL3, LPAR5, OPRL1, PCDH9, PDE10A, PDE11A, PDE1A, PDE1B, PDE2A, PDE4C, PDE6H, PPAP2B, PPP1R1B, ROBO2, SH3D2C1, TRIP10, ZNF521 A 18 ANXA2, AQP1, C11ORF82, CCNI, 14 12 AQP1, CDKN2A CDKN2A, DEFB104A, DEFB4, EGLN3, ERAP1, FAM129A, GNAO1, IFNG, IL1B, IL1F7, INCA, LOC729687, MELK, MINA, MIRN210, MPA2L, MYC, NNAT, PDE5A, RGS11, RNASE7, RT1-B, SCLY, SCUBE1, SLC11A1, SLC14A1, SLC1A3, ST18, TSH, TMEM35, TREM3 — 19 BIRC8, BNC2, CASP5, CASP10 10 10 — CASP14, CASP, CBLN2, DEDD2, DNASE1L1, DPYD, DSG3, EIF4E, EMILIN2, HTR1D, HTR1E, HTR1F, HTR3A, IFT57, KHDC1, MIRN20A, MTCH1, NGFR, PLXNA4, PPIL5, RB1, RP11-257K9.7, SEMA6D, SERPINA3K, SORCS1, STK25, SYT5, TACC3, TERT — 20 EGFL7, GFI1B 2 1 — — 21 AGRN, PRSS12 2 1 — — 22 KCNB1, KCNG3 2 1 — — 23 NUP37, NUP43 2 1 — — 24 HS6ST1, HS6ST2 2 1 — — 25 FUCA1, FUCA2 2 1 — — 26 IQGAP, IQGAP3, MIRN339 2 1 — Expression Undifferentiated Expression State Differentiated State Group Network Increased Decreased Increased A 1 ADAMTS9, CDKN2A, ADAMTS9, CNTN1, HDAC, CNTN2, ATAD2, NDN, PLS3, CDC45L, S1PR3, TFPI2 CNTN1, Cyclin A, Cyclin E, E2F1, E2F2, E2F7, FGFR2, MYBL1, MYBL2, NDC80, NDN, ORC1L, PLS3, RAD54L, RBL1, RRM2, S1PR3, SPC24, SPC25, TFDP1, TFPI2, TK1, TTK, TYMS, TYK, ZWINT C 2 ALCAM, DOK5, KISSR, SCN2A ALCAM, AURKA, ERK, GFRA2, E2F, ERK, PP1/PP2A, ESPL1, HMMR, PP2A, KIF15, KIF22, PPP1R3C, MKI67, OIP5, PPP2R2B PHLPP, PP1/PP2A, PPP1R3C, PTTG1, RB, TPX2 — 3 ASCL1, DLL1, ADARB1, ADM, ASCL1, HES6, FRZB, MAPK, PTPPH, MAPK, NMU, PEG3, PLAT, SLCO1A2 PEG3, PRLHR, PRLHR, SMAD6, PTPRK, SGOL2, SPARC, ZNF217 SPARC, ZNF217 C 4 GNAI, GPR161, CSTB, GPCR, CIT, CSRP2, LPAR1, RGS5 GRIM5, SLC1A2 ECT2, EFNB2, THBS2 CHEK, GNAI, GPR161, KIF4A, KIF14, KIF23, KIFC1, LPAR1, PRC1, RACGAP, RGS5, SDC2, B 5 CD9, CXCR4, AELIM3, CD9, ENC1, ENC1, Gβγ S100A6, SYT13, Gβγ, GNAI1, GNAI1, GNG11, SYTL1 GNG11, GNG12, GNG12, ITGA6, GPSM2, ITGA6, JNK, MSN, JNK, KCNJ4, MYRIP, STK17A MSN, MYRIP, NXPH1, STK17A, TRAF4, TSPAN, TSPAN4, VAV3 — 6 BASP1, HRH3 CNGA3, ASF1B, BASP1, HIST1H3E, CHAF1A, PTGS1 NCAPH, PBK, PRAME, SMC2, UHRF1, VRK1 B 7 NR3C1, SMC6, CAP2, MEF2A, BRCA1, BRCA2, SNCAIP, PKC(s), SLC1A6 BRIP1, BUB1B, TCF7L2 DLGAP3, GUCY1B3, NEK2, KITLG, NR3C1, RAD51, RAD51AP1, SMC6, SNAI2, SNCAIP, UBE3, UBE3B B 8 ERK1, ERK2, NDRG1, SMAD1, AURKB, BIRC5, MAOA, P38 SMAD5, SMAD8 ERK1, ERK2, MAPK, RGMA FBLN1, FOXM1, HGF, MAOA, P38 MAPK, PKMYT1, SYNPO2, TOP2A — 9 PCGF5 HIST1H2BD, C14ORF106, OSCAR CEP72, KIF20A, PCNA, PEX13, PFC5, POLQ, SPAG5, SYTL4, TROAP, WDR51A A 10 CNTN4, ARHGAP9, CNTN4, ELOVL7, CDH10 ELOVL7, EME1, HAND1, ODS2, FGFR, SOX2, TWIST1 KIAA1524, PRIMA1, RBPMS, ST8SIA4, TWIST1 B 11 BAMBI, — DYNLT3, CUGBP2, KIF18A, PTPRM, DYNLT3, SLC7A2, SLC7A2, SLC43A3, SSH2, SLC43A3, STK17A, TPTE STK17A, TPTE — 12 PDZRN3, PVRL3 — ANLN, ARHGAP24, ASPM, BUB1, CCDC99, CEP55, CKAP2, DRAM, E2F8, PLXNA2, SLC16A10, UBE2C, UBE2S, WDHD1 — 13 ARHGEF3, CALY ARHGEF3, GSK3B, RMP22 CTSL2, DIAPH3, FBP1, KIF2C, KIF11, PFKFB3, PLK4 — 14 CADPS, FNDC5, COL5A1, FNDC5, MAB21L2, MICAL2 HSPC159, SLITRK5, MAB21L2, ST8SIA2 SLITRK5, SYN2, ZNF367 — 15 KCTD12, TPBG OLFML2A, EXO1, KCTD12, SIGIRR MYO6, PHEBL1, SHCBP1, TPBG, TUBB6 B 16 DACT1, PCDH8 ABCC8, IL17B, MMD, OSBPL3, NEEBL SYNPO2 — 17 PPAP2B HPCAL1, LPAR5 BTG3, GABRA5, TRIP10, ZNF521 A 18 MINA, PDE5A ANXA2, C11ORF82, CDKN2A, MELK, MINA, ERAP1, RGS11 PDE5A, SCLY, SLC1A3, TMEM35 — 19 EMILIN2, HTR1E, BNC2, DPYD, PLXNA4 SORCS1 EMILIN2, PPIL5, TACC3 — 20 — — — — 21 — — — — 22 — — — — 23 — — — — 24 — — — — 25 — — — — 26 — — —

Example V Pathway Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles from Clonal Cell Lines

The following example illustrates how to characterize gene expression profiles from clonal cells from an established clonal cell line that are susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication or have neurotoxin uptake capacity in order to identify biological networks or pathways associated with BoNT/A intoxication.

Computer analysis was performed to characterize the RNA expression phenotype of two independently derived single clone cell lines, BB10 and H1, very sensitive to BoNT/A activity and a single clone cell line, 2D6, that was less sensitive BoNT/A activity. The results are useful in identifying clonal cell lines selected from the SiMa parental cell line that are useful to practice the methods disclosed in the present specification.

To identify the specific gene expression phenotype associated with a BoNT/A sensitive cell line, the data was analyzed using JMP Genomic (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C.). To perform a JMP Genomics analysis, the RNA expression data was imported to JMP Genomics by creating two SAS files, designated “data” and “Experiment design.” A basic expression workflow was performed, including a variance analysis and one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) to identify differences in mean expression values. The variance analysis was used to identify differences between the cell lines and the differentiation state of each cell line (differentiated or non-differentiated). The expression values of all four cell lines were compared pair wise, independent of differentiation and genes that were ≧4-fold over-expressed in the H1 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line, in the BB10 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line, and in SiMa parental cell line (PA) compared to the 2D6 cell line. The variance analysis treats all factors in the study as random effects, to find out what their contribution is to the proportion of variance explained (total variance=100%). About half of the variance, 46.9% was assigned to differences among the different cell types, while 26% was assigned to differences before and after differentiation. Only 4.6% of the variance was assigned to differences among differentiated or non-differentiated cells types, meaning that the genes that were differentially expressed after differentiation were similar for all cell types examined, suggesting that the difference in BoNT/A sensitivity among the cell lines is independent of differentiation state. As such, the focus was placed on genes that are different among the different cells types irrespective of differentiation.

Based on the results from the variance analysis, the expression values of all cell lines were compared pair wise, independent of differentiation (FIG. 2). Only gene probes that were ≧4-fold over-expressed in the H1 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line, and in the BB10 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line are shown. The gene probes were plotted as expression value (Log₂) on the x-axis and p-value (−log₁₀(p-value)) on the y-axis. The red dashed line marks the 95% confidence interval. The genes probes that were ≧4-fold over-expressed in the H1 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line (FIG. 2A), and the BB10 cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line (FIG. 2B), were also to a large extend among the genes that were over-expressed in the BB10 cell line as compared to the SiMa parental cell line (PA, FIG. 2C), in the H1 cell line as compared to the SiMa parental cell line (FIG. 2D), and in the SiMa parental cell line as compared to the 2D6 cell line (FIG. 2E). These data suggest that BoNT/A sensitivity was related to a gradual increase in expression of these genes. Based on this finding, the number of gene probes was further narrowed down to 119 by including only gene probes that were also over-expressed in the SiMa parental cell line compared to the 2D6 cell line, rationalizing that gene probes that were differential expressed across one more cell line would be even more likely to be important for BoNT/A sensitivity. As such, the JMP Genomic analysis resulted in the identification of 119 gene probes, designated the JMP probe set.

The JMP probe set was exported to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) Core Analysis (Ingenuity Systems Inc., Redwood City, Calif.) to further characterize the JMP probe set. Using this analysis, biologically relevant networks to BoNT/A intoxication were identified based on connectivity among the genes from an IPA library and the gene probes contained in the JMP probe set. The significance of the association to a given network was measured and ranked by the ratio of the number of gene probes from the JMP probe set that mapped to the specific network divided by the total number of genes that map to that network. Fishers exact test was used to calculate p-scores, and based on the p-scores the genes from the JMP probe set were used to rank the networks. The p-scores were derived from p-values. If there are n genes in the network and f of them are gene probes from the JMP probe set, then the p-value is the probability of finding f or more gene probes from the JMP probe set in a set of n genes randomly selected from the Global Molecular Network. Since significant p-values are quite low (e.g., 1×10⁻⁸), a p-score was defined as the component of the p-value; p-score=−log 10 (p-value). The identified networks were overlaid with differentially expressed genes which had more than 1.5-fold differential expression and a p-value≧0.001 either before or after differentiation. Using IPA Core Analysis, 111 of the 119 gene probes from the JMP probe set were mapped to networks. The eight unmapped probes most likely represent either a probe with an outdated nomenclature or one representing a gene without a known gene product. The 111 gene probes corresponded to 79 genes that were greater than 4.0-fold differentially expressed in the H1 and BB10 cell lines when compared to the 2D6 cell line and that were also greater than 4.0-fold differentially expressed in the SiMa parental cell lines when compared to the 2D6 cell line, when the p-value cut off was set to 0.05 (Table 14).

TABLE 14 Genes Identified using IPA Core Analysis Gene Log Gene Name Symbol Probe ID. No. Location Type Ratio Achaete-scute complex homolog 1 ASCL1 209985_s_at Nucleus Transcription 4.469 regulator Achaete-scute complex homolog 1 ASCL1 209988_s_at Nucleus Transcription 2.774 regulator Achaete-scute complex homolog 1 ASCL1 213768_s_at Nucleus Transcription 2.955 regulator Acyl-CoA thioesterase 9 ACOT9 221641_s_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 2.251 ADAM metallopeptidase with ADAMTS9 226814_at Extracellular Peptidase 4.034 thrombospondin type 1 motif, 9 Space Ankyrin 2, neuronal ANK2 216195_at Plasma Other −2.673 Membrane Ankyrin 2, neuronal ANK2 232606_at Plasma Other −2.621 Membrane Blood vessel epicardial BVES 228783_at Plasma Other 3.174 substance Membrane Brain abundant, membrane BASP1 202391_at Plasma Other 4.549 attached signal protein 1 Membrane BRCA1 associated RING domain 1 BARD1 205345_at Nucleus Transcription 3.44 regulator Calsyntenin 2 CLSTN2 219414_at Plasma Transporter 2.024 Membrane cAMP responsive element CREB5 232555_at Nucleus Transcription −2.67 binding protein 5 Cathepsin L2 CTSL2 210074_at Cytoplasm Peptidase 2.119 CD9 molecule CD9 201005_at Plasma Other 2.887 Membrane Cell division cycle associated 7- CDCA7L 225081_s_at Nucleus Other 3.737 like Centromere protein L CENPL 1554271_a_at Unknown Other 2.582 Chromosome 11 open reading C11ORF75 219806_s_at Unknown Other 3.914 frame 75 Chromosome 3 open reading C3ORF70 242447_at Unknown Other 2.705 frame 70 Coiled-coil domain containing CCDC109B 218802_at Unknown Other 2.881 109B Contactin 1 CNTN1 211203_s_at Plasma Enzyme 3.684 Membrane Contactin 1 CNTN1 227202_at Plasma Enzyme 3.184 Membrane Contactin 1 CNTN1 227209_at Plasma Enzyme 3.188 Membrane Copine VIII CPNE8 228365_at Unknown Other −3.355 Copine VIII CPNE8 241706_at Unknown Other −2.736 CUG triplet repeat, RNA binding CUGBP2 202157_s_at Nucleus Other 3.588 protein 2 Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 CDK2 204252_at Nucleus Kinase 2.744 Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 CSRP2 207030_s_at Nucleus Other 2.487 Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2 CSRP2 211126_s_at Nucleus Other 2.109 DEP domain containing 1 DEPDC1 220295_x_at Unknown Other 2.795 Diaphanous homolog 3 DIAPH3 232596_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 2.434 Dihydropyrimidine DPYD 204646_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 4.248 dehydrogenase Docking protein 5 DOK5 214844_s_at Plasma Other 4.56 Membrane Dynein, light chain, Tctex-type 3 DYNLT3 203303_at Cytoplasm Other 3.449 Elastin microfibril interfacer 2 EMILIN2 224374_s_at Extracellular Other 2.603 Space Ets variant 1 ETV1 206501_x_at Nucleus Transcription 2.578 regulator Ets variant 1 ETV1 217053_x_at Nucleus Transcription 2.499 regulator Ets variant 1 ETV1 217061_s_at Nucleus Transcription 2.557 regulator Family with sequence similarity FAM101B 226876_at Unknown Other 2.399 101, member B Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 FGFR2 203638_s_at Plasma Kinase 2.306 Membrane Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 FGFR2 203639_s_at Plasma Kinase 3.239 Membrane Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 FGFR2 208228_s_at Plasma Kinase 2.151 Membrane Fibronectin type III domain FNDC5 226096_at Unknown Other 2.054 containing 5 Fibulin 1 FBLN1 201787_at Extracellular Other 2.801 Space Fibulin 1 FBLN1 202994_s_at Extracellular Other 2.378 Space Fibulin 1 FBLN1 202995_s_at Extracellular Other 3.733 Space G protein-coupled receptor 177 GPR177 221958_s_at Unknown Other 2.389 G protein-coupled receptor 177 GPR177 228950_s_at Unknown Other 2.622 G-2 and S-phase expressed 1 GTSE1 204317_at Cytoplasm Other 3.334 Gametocyte specific factor 1 GTSF1 227711_at Unknown Other 6.407 Guanine nucleotide binding GNAI1 227692_at Plasma Enzyme 3.123 protein (G protein), alpha Membrane inhibiting activity polypeptide 1 Guanine nucleotide binding GNB4 225710_at Plasma Enzyme 6.066 protein (G protein), beta Membrane polypeptide 4 Guanine nucleotide binding GNG11 204115_at Plasma Enzyme 4.251 protein (G protein), gamma 11 Membrane Guanine nucleotide binding GNG12 212294_at Plasma Enzyme 2.315 protein (G protein), gamma 12 Membrane Guanine nucleotide binding GNG12 222834_s_at Plasma Enzyme 3.403 protein (G protein), gamma 12 Membrane Hepatocyte growth factor HGF 209960_at Extracellular Growth 2.939 (hepapoietin A) Space factor Hypothetical protein LOC100289109 216189_at Unknown Other −3.256 LOC100289109 Hypothetical protein LOC144571 LOC144571 1564139_at Unknown Other −2.394 Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate ITPRIP 225582_at Unknown Other 3.522 receptor interacting protein Interleukin 17B IL17B 220273_at Extracellular Cytokine −4.735 Space KDEL (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu) KDELC2 225128_at Unknown Other 3.003 containing 2 KIAA0125 KIAA0125 206478_at Unknown Other −8.436 KIT ligand KITLG 226534_at Extracellular Growth 2.59 Space factor LY6/PLAUR domain containing 6 LYPD6 227764_at Extracellular Other 2.64 Space Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 LPAR1 204036_at Plasma Receptor 3.151 Membrane MAB-21-like 2 MAB21L2 210303_at Unknown Other 3.817 Minichromosome maintenance MCM10 223570_at Nucleus Other 2.249 complex component 10 Moesin MSN 200600_at Plasma Other 5.842 Membrane Monoamine oxidase A MAOA 204388_s_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 4.029 Monoamine oxidase A MAOA 204389_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 3.355 Monoamine oxidase A MAOA 212741_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 4.157 MYC induced nuclear antigen MINA 213188_s_at Nucleus Other 4.019 MYC induced nuclear antigen MINA 213189_at Nucleus Other 4.636 Myosin VI MYO6 203216_s_at Cytoplasm Other 2.406 Myosin VIIA and Rab interacting MYRIP 214156_at Cytoplasm Other 2.805 protein Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 NPAS4 1554299_at Nucleus Transcription −2.515 regulator Paternally expressed 3 PEG3 209242_at Nucleus Kinase 5.896 Paternally expressed 3 PEG3 209243_s_at Nucleus Kinase 4.556 Phosphoprotein associated with PAG1 225626_at Plasma Other 2.193 glycosphingolipid microdomains 1 Membrane Poliovirus receptor-related 3 PVRL3 213325_at Plasma Other 2.325 Membrane Polo-like kinase 2 PLK2 201939_at Nucleus Kinase 4.93 Polymerase (DNA directed), POLA2 204441_s_at Nucleus Enzyme 2.198 alpha 2 (70 kD subunit) Prolactin releasing hormone PRLHR 231805_at Plasma Receptor 3.19 receptor Membrane Prostaglandin reductase 1 PTGR1 228824_s_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 2.398 Prostaglandin reductase 1 PTGR1 231897_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 2.33 Protease, serine, 12 PRSS12 205515_at Extracellular Peptidase 5.146 (neurotrypsin, motopsin) Space Protein phosphatase 1, regulatory PPP1R3C 204284_at Cytoplasm Phosphatase 2.827 (inhibitor) subunit 3C Protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTPRK 203038_at Plasma Phosphatase 3.451 receptor type, K Membrane RAB32, member RAS oncogene RAB32 204214_s_at Cytoplasm Other 2.192 family RELT-like 1 RELL1 226430_at Unknown Other 2.88 Rho GTPase activating protein 24 ARHGAP24 223422_s_at Cytoplasm Other 3.043 Rho guanine nucleotide ARHGEF3 218501_at Cytoplasm Other 2.473 exchange factor (GEF) 3 Ring finger protein 182 RNF182 230720_at Unknown Other 4.746 RNA binding protein with multiple RBPMS 209487_at Unknown Other 2.329 splicing RNA binding protein with multiple RBPMS 209488_s_at Unknown Other 3.292 splicing Secreted protein, acidic, cysteine- SPARC 200665_s_at Extracellular Other 4.919 rich (osteonectin) Space Secreted protein, acidic, cysteine- SPARC 212667_at Extracellular Other 4.58 rich (osteonectin) Space Shugoshin-like 2 SGOL2 230165_at Nucleus Other 3.108 Similar to hCG2031213 LOC728052 1558795_at Unknown Other 3.402 Solute carrier family 1 (glial high SLC1A2 225491_at Plasma Transporter −4.354 affinity glutamate transporter), Membrane member 2 Solute carrier family 43, member 3 SLC43A3 210692_s_at Extracellular Other 3.126 Space Solute carrier family 43, member 3 SLC43A3 213113_s_at Extracellular Other 2.804 Space Solute carrier family 44, member 5 SLC44A5 1569112_at Unknown Other 3.923 Solute carrier family 44, member 5 SLC44A5 235763_at Unknown Other 4.439 Solute carrier family 7 (cationic SLC7A2 225516_at Plasma Transporter 3.23 amino acid transporter, y+ Membrane system), member 2 Sortilin-related VPS10 domain SORCS1 1556891_at Plasma Transporter −2.424 containing receptor 1 Membrane SPC25, NDC80 kinetochore SPC25 209891_at Unknown Other 2.634 complex component, homolog ST8 alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminide ST8SIA4 230836_at Cytoplasm Enzyme 2.705 alpha-2,8-sialyltransferase 4 Structural maintenance of SMC2 204240_s_at Nucleus Transporter 2.442 chromosomes 2 Structural maintenance of SMC6 218781_at Nucleus Other 3.327 chromosomes 6 Structural maintenance of SMC6 236535_at Nucleus Other 3.44 chromosomes 6 Syndecan 2 SDC2 212154_at Plasma Other 2.367 Membrane Syndecan 2 SDC2 212158_at Plasma Other 2.098 Membrane Thrombospondin 2 THBS2 203083_at Extracellular Other −2.81 Space Thyroid hormone receptor TRIP10 202734_at Cytoplasm Other 2.663 interactor 10 Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 TFPI2 209278_s_at Extracellular Other 4.666 Space Transcription factor 7-like 1 (T- TCF7L1 221016_s_at Nucleus Transcription 2.835 cell specific, HMG-box) regulator Transmembrane phosphatase TPTE 220205_at Plasma Phosphatase 6.04 with tensin homology Membrane Transmembrane protein 178 TMEM178 229302_at Unknown Other 3.194 Transmembrane protein 35 TMEM35 219685_at Unknown Other 2.879 Tumor necrosis factor, alpha- TNFAIP8 210260_s_at Cytoplasm Other 2.389 induced protein 8 Twist homolog 1 TWIST1 213943_at Nucleus Transcription 2.573 regulator Zinc finger protein 521 ZNF521 226676_at Nucleus Other 2.382 Zinc finger protein 521 ZNF521 226677_at Nucleus Other 2.943 Zinc finger protein 814 ZNF814 1556204_a_at Unknown Other −2.505 The log ratio represent log₂ values where 0.585 is log₂(1.5) which is a 1.5-fold difference, 1 is log₂(2) which is a 2-fold difference, 1.584 is log₂(3) which is a 3-fold difference, 2 is log₂(4) which is a 4-fold difference, 2.321 is log₂(5) which is a 5-fold difference, 2.584 is log₂(6) which is a 6-fold difference, 2.807 is log₂(7) which is a 7-fold difference, 3 is log₂(8) which is a 8-fold difference, 3.169 islog₂(9) which is a 9-fold difference, and 3.321 is log₂(10) which is a 10-fold difference.

Using IPA Core Analysis, 73 of the 79 genes were mapped to 5 different protein networks (Table 15). Based on overlapping gene mapping, 73 of the 79 genes that were up-regulated could be associated with two major protein network groups, named A and B (Table 15). Networks 1, 2 and 5 belong to Group A, and Networks 3 and 4 belong to Group B. Similarly, all down-regulated genes were all associated with one network, named C (Table 15).

Group A genes include the FGFR2 receptor which has been shown to function in the BoNT/A intoxication process as a receptor for BoNT/A and are as follows: genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ADAMTS9, ARHGAP24, ARHGEF3, ASCL1, BARD1, CD9, CDK2, CSRP2, CTSL2, DIAPH3, DOK5, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, ETV1, FBLN1, FGFR2, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, MCM10, MSN, PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, POLA2, PPP1R3C, PTPRK, RAB32, SDC2, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, SMC6, SPARC, SPC25, ST8SIA4, TCF7L1, TFPI2, TMEM35, TNFAIP8, TPTE, TRIP10, and TWIST1.

Group B genes are as follows: genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ACOT9, BASP1, C11ORF75, CCDC109B, CDCA7L, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DEPDC1, DPYD, FAM101B, FNDC5, GTSE1, MAOA, MINA, MYO6, MYRIP, PLK2, PRLHR, PVRL3, RBPMS, SGOL2, SMC2, TFP12, TMEM178, and ZNF521.

Group C genes are as follows: genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more decrease in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line, ANK2, CPNE8, CREB5, IL17B, KIAA0125, LOC100289109, LOC144571, NPAS4, SLC1A2, SORCS1, THBS2, and/or ZNF814.

The remaining networks identified did not share common genes between any other network. Individually, however, genes exhibiting a 1.5-fold or more increase in expression levels in the H1 and BB10 cell lines as compared to their expression in cells from the 2D6 cell line were as follows: C3ORF70 (Network 6), MAB21L2 (Network 7), PRSS12 (Network 8), CENPL (Network 9), GPR177 (Network 10), and PTGR1 (Network 11).

TABLE 15 IPA Core Analysis of Genes JMP Gene Expression Profile Network Group Proteins in Network pvalue Number Increased Decreased 1 A ADAMTS9, AKT, ASCL1, CDK2, 48 22 ADAMTS9, — CSRP2, CTSL2, DOK5, E2F, ASCL1, CDK2, FBLN1, FSH, GNAI1, GNG11, CSRP2, CTSL2, hCG, HGF, KITLG, LPAR1, DOK5, FBLN1, MAPK, MCM10, MEK, MSN, GNAI1, GNG11, NFκB, P38, MAPK, PAG1, PDGFBB, HGF, KITLG, PEG3, PLK2, RAC, RAS, LPAR1, SDC2, SPARC, TFPI2, TGFβ, MCM10, MSN, TNFAIP8, TRIP10, VEGF PAG1, PEG3, PLK2, SDC2, SPARC, TFPI2, TNFAIP8, TRIP10 2 A CASP3, Caspase 3/7, CCL6, 35 17 DIAPH3, — DIAPH3, DYNLT3, EMILIN2, DYNLT3, EPM2A, ETV1, EYA2, FAM3B, EMILIN2, ETV1, FASTK, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG10, GNAI1, GNB4, GNG11, GNG12, GSTM2, HK1, GNG11, IGFBP3, IL13, PLCE1, POLA2, GNG12, PPP1R3C, PTPRK, PTPRZ1, POLA2, RAB32, SLC43A3, SLC7A2, PPP1R3C, SRC, ST8SIA4, TNF, TPTE, PTPRK, RAB32, TWIST1 SLC43A3, SLC7A2, ST8SIA4, TPTE, TWIST1 3 B ACOT9, AR, ATXN7, BASP1, 26 14 ACOT9, BASP1, — CCNE2, CCNK, CLSTN2, CLSTN2, CNTN1, CUGBP2, DGKA, CNTN1, FNDC5, GTSE1, IL4, MAOA, CUGBP2, MSH2, NOVA1, NF1, PICK1, FNDC5, PLK2, PNRC1, POM121, GTSE1, MAOA, PRLHR, PTP4A1, PTP4A2, PLK2, PRLHR, PVRL1, PVRL3, PVRL4, PVRL3, RBPMS, SERPINB5, SMARCA4, RBPMS, TFP12, SPN, TFP12, TP53, ZNF521 ZNF521 4 B ARHGAP17, AXL, C11ORF75, 24 13 C11ORF75, — CAPN6, CCDC109B, CDCA7L, CCDC109B, DEPDC1, DPYD, EIF4E, CDCA7L, FAM101B, GRB2, HNRNPF, DEPDC1, HTATIP2, MAOA, MINA, DPYD, MIR124, MIRLET7A1, MYC, FAM101B, MYO6, MYRIP, NCAPD3, NF2, MAOA, MINA, PPP2R5A, PPP2R5D, MYO6, MYRIP, PPP2R5E, RPS16, RPS23, SGOL2, SMC2, SGOL2, SLC25A12, SMC2, TMEM178 SMC4, TMEM178, TUSC2, TXNIP, ZBTB16 5 A ARHGAP24, ARHGEF, 17 10 ARHGAP24, — ARHGEF3, BARD1, CD9, CD53, ARHGEF3, CTNNB1, DUSP3, ERK, ERM, BARD1, CD9, FGF9, FGF18, FGF21, FGF23, FGFR2, LPAR1, FGFR2, IL1, IL6, IL17RD, SMC6, SPC25, Integrinα6β1, KLB, LEF/TCF, TCF7L1, LPAR1, MIRN297-2, PI3K, RAS TMEM35 homolog, RNAPOLII, SLC26A2, SMC6, SPC25, SREBF1, TACC1, TCF7L1, TMEM35, TPT1, WISP1 6 — C3ORF70, MIR31 2 1 C3ORF70 — 7 — MAB21L2, MIRN294 2 1 MAB21L2 — 8 — AGPN, PRSS12 2 1 PRSS12 — 9 — CENPL, MIRN340 2 1 CENPL — 10 — GPR177, MIRN324 2 1 GPR177 — 11 — ADH, PTGR1 2 1 PTGR1 — 12 C ANK2, ATP2A2, BDNF, CEBPG, 22 8 — ANK2, CPNE8, CPNE8, CREB5, GRM3, GRM5, CREB5, IL17B, IGFBP2, IL17B, ITPR, ITPR1, KIAA0125, K+, L1CAM, MIRN330, LOC100289109, Neurotrophin, NFE2L1, NGFR, LOC144571, NME1, NPAS4, Pro-inflammatory NPAS4, Cytokine, PSEN1, SCN2A, SLC1A2, SCN3A, SCNN1B, SLC1A2, SORCS1, SLC8A1, SORCS1, SORT1, THBS2, ZNF814 TGFA, THBS2, TNF, TNFAIP6

Computer analysis was performed as in Example V, except that the list of probes reflects genes that were greater than 1.5-fold differential expressed in the H1 and the BB10 cell lines when compared to both the 2D6 and SiMa parental cell lines. When the p-value cut off was set to 0.05, this analysis identified 439 gene probes that could be classified to 369 genes (Table 16).

TABLE 16 Genes Identified using IPA Core Analysis Gene Log Gene Name Symbol Probe ID. No. Location Type Ratio 6-phosphofructo-2- PFKFB3 202464_s_at Cytoplasm kinase 1.811 kinase/fructose-2,6- biphosphatase 3 achaete-scute complex homolog 1 ASCL1 209985_s_at Nucleus transcription 2.429 regulator achaete-scute complex homolog 1 ASCL1 209987_s_at Nucleus transcription 2.097 regulator achaete-scute complex homolog 1 ASCL1 209988_s_at Nucleus transcription 1.446 regulator achaete-scute complex homolog 1 ASCL1 213768_s_at Nucleus transcription 1.578 regulator activated leukocyte cell adhesion ALCAM 1569362_at Plasma other 2.612 molecule Membrane activated leukocyte cell adhesion ALCAM 201951_at Plasma other 1.774 molecule Membrane activated leukocyte cell adhesion ALCAM 201952_at Plasma other 1.521 molecule Membrane acyl-CoA thioesterase 1 ACOT1 202982_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme −2.875 acylphosphatase 2, muscle type ACYP2 206833_s_at unknown enzyme −1.15 additional sex combs like 3 ASXL3 233536_at unknown other 1.572 adenosine deaminase, RNA- ADARB1 203865_s_at Nucleus enzyme −2.474 specific, B1 adenylate cyclase 1 ADCY1 213245_at Plasma enzyme −1.935 Membrane adipocyte-specific adhesion ASAM 228082_at Plasma other −2.802 molecule Membrane ADP-ribosylation factor 1 ARF1 1565651_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.063 ADP-ribosylation factor-like 17A ARL17A 243899_at unknown other 0.741 anaphase promoting complex ANAPC7 225554_s_at unknown other 0.679 subunit 7 ankyrin repeat and BTB (POZ) ABTB1 229164_s_at Cytoplasm translation −0.656 domain containing 1 regulator ankyrin repeat domain 50 ANKRD50 225731_at unknown other −0.654 ankyrin repeat domain 50 ANKRD50 225735_at unknown other −1.114 aspartate beta-hydroxylase ASPHD1 214993_at unknown other −0.763 domain containing 1 ataxin 2-binding protein 1 A2BP1 1553422_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.453 ataxin 2-binding protein 1 A2BP1 221217_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.497 ATPase, Ca++ transporting, ATP2B3 207026_s_at Plasma transporter −1.248 plasma membrane 3 Membrane ATPase, Ca++ transporting, ATP2B3 242036_x_at Plasma transporter −1.777 plasma membrane 3 Membrane basonuclin 2 BNC2 220272_at Nucleus other 2.466 basonuclin 2 BNC2 230722_at Nucleus other 1.641 βγcrystallin domain containing 3 CRYBG3 214030_at unknown other 4.74 β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 BACE1 217904_s_at Cytoplasm peptidase −1.57 brain abundant, membrane BASP1 202391_at Plasma other 1.146 attached signal protein 1 Membrane bromodomain and WD repeat BRWD1 225446_at Nucleus transcription −1.018 domain containing 1 regulator bruno-like 4, RNA binding BRUNOL4 238966_at Nucleus translation −0.81 protein regulator butyrophilin, subfamily 3, BTN3A3 38241_at unknown other −1.108 member A3 C2 calcium-dependent domain C2CD2 212875_s_at unknown other −1.27 containing 2 C2 calcium-dependent domain C2CD4A 241031_at unknown other −2.615 containing 4A cadherin 12, type 2 (N-cadherin CDH12 207149_at Plasma other −1.408 2) Membrane calcium/calmodulin-dependent CAMK2N2 230706_s_at Nucleus other −0.692 protein kinase II inhibitor 2 calmin (calponin-like, CLMN 213839_at Cytoplasm other −1.911 transmembrane) calpain 2, (m/II) large subunit CAPN2 208683_at Cytoplasm peptidase −1.429 CAP, adenylate cyclase- CAP2 212551_at Plasma other −1.974 associated protein, 2 Membrane CAP, adenylate cyclase- CAP2 212554_at Plasma other −3.68 associated protein, 2 Membrane carboxypeptidase, vitellogenic- CPVL 208146_s_at unknown peptidase 1.708 like CART prepropeptide CARTPT 206339_at Extracellular other −4.676 Space Cas-Br-M (murine) ecotropic CBLB 209682_at Nucleus other 1.032 retroviral transforming sequence b CCR4-NOT transcription CNOT6L 227119_at Cytoplasm other −0.785 complex, subunit 6-like CD302 molecule CD302 203799_at Plasma receptor −1.518 Membrane CD9 molecule CD9 201005_at Plasma other 1.415 Membrane CDP-diacylglycerol synthase CDS1 226185_at Cytoplasm enzyme −1.74 (phosphatidate cytidylyltransferase) 1 cell division cycle 25 homolog B CDC25B 201853_s_at Nucleus phosphatase 1.453 (S. pombe) chemokine (C—X—C motif) CXCR4 209201_x_at Plasma receptor 4.135 receptor 4 Membrane chemokine (C—X—C motif) CXCR4 211919_s_at Plasma receptor 3.957 receptor 4 Membrane chemokine (C—X—C motif) CXCR4 217028_at Plasma receptor 3.176 receptor 4 Membrane chloride channel 3 CLCN3 201733_at Plasma ion channel −0.908 Membrane chloride channel 3 CLCN3 201734_at Plasma ion channel −0.987 Membrane cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, CHRNA7 210123_s_at Plasma receptor 3.098 alpha 7 Membrane chromosome 1 open reading C1ORF21 221272_s_at unknown other −0.74 frame 21 chromosome 1 open reading C1ORF21 223127_s_at unknown other −0.748 frame 21 chromosome 1 open reading C1ORF43 1555225_at unknown other 1.604 frame 43 chromosome 10 open reading C10ORF58 224435_at Extracellular other 0.918 frame 58 Space chromosome 12 open reading C12ORF49 218867_s_at unknown other 0.692 frame 49 chromosome 16 open reading C16ORF52 230721_at unknown other −0.87 frame 52 chromosome 20 open reading C20ORF7 227160_s_at unknown other 0.624 frame 7 chromosome 21 open reading C21ORF57 227421_at unknown other −1.086 frame 57 chromosome 21 open reading C21ORF57 239208_s_at unknown other −0.657 frame 57 chromosome 3 open reading C3ORF23 1555905_a_at Cytoplasm other −2.797 frame 23 chromosome 3 open reading C3ORF23 1555906_s_at Cytoplasm other −1.502 frame 23 chromosome 3 open reading C3ORF23 241666_at Cytoplasm other −1.017 frame 23 chromosome 9 open reading C9ORF150 227443_at unknown other −1.773 frame 150 claudin 12 CLDN12 223249_at Plasma other −0.766 Membrane COBW domain containing 1 CBWD1 226193_x_at unknown other 0.849 coiled-coil domain containing 3 CCDC3 223316_at Cytoplasm other 3.357 collagen, type VI, alpha 1 COL6A1 213428_s_at Extracellular other −1.638 Space cripto, FRL-1, cryptic family 1 CFC1 223753_s_at Extracellular other −2.834 Space cripto, FRL-1, cryptic family 1 CFC1 236724_at Extracellular other −1.636 Space CSE1 chromosome segregation CSE1L 210765_at Nucleus transporter 1.581 1-like CUG triplet repeat, RNA binding CUGBP2 202156_s_at Nucleus other 1.318 protein 2 CUG triplet repeat, RNA binding CUGBP2 202157_s_at Nucleus other 2.156 protein 2 CUG triplet repeat, RNA binding CUGBP2 202158_s_at Nucleus other 2.539 protein 2 cyclic nucleotide gated channel CNGA3 207261_at Plasma ion channel −3.182 alpha 3 Membrane cyclin M1 CNNM1 220166_at Plasma other −1.214 Membrane cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor CDKN2A 209644_x_at Nucleus transcription −1.277 2A (melanoma, p16, inhibits regulator CDK4) cylindromatosis (turban tumor CYLD 213295_at Nucleus transcription −0.815 syndrome) regulator cytochrome P450, family 2, CYP2E1 1431_at Cytoplasm enzyme −4.466 subfamily E, polypeptide 1 cytochrome P450, family 2, CYP2E1 209975_at Cytoplasm enzyme −3.946 subfamily E, polypeptide 1 cytochrome P450, family 2, CYP2E1 209976_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme −3.429 subfamily E, polypeptide 1 cytoglobin CYGB 1553572_a_at Cytoplasm transporter −4.921 cytokine-like 1 CYTL1 219837_s_at Extracellular cytokine −6.33 Space dapper, antagonist of beta- DACT1 219179_at Cytoplasm other 1.682 catenin, homolog 1 dCMP deaminase DCTD 201572_x_at unknown enzyme −0.649 DEAH (Asp-Glu-Ala-His) box DHX35 218579_s_at unknown enzyme 0.735 polypeptide 35 deleted in azoospermia 1 DAZ1 207909_x_at Nucleus translation 6.92 regulator deleted in azoospermia 1 DAZ1 207912_s_at Nucleus translation 5.558 regulator deleted in azoospermia 1 DAZ1 208281_x_at Nucleus translation 5.258 regulator deleted in azoospermia 1 DAZ1 208282_x_at Nucleus translation 7.008 regulator deleted in azoospermia 1 DAZ1 216351_x_at Nucleus translation 3.596 regulator deleted in azoospermia 1 DAZ1 216922_x_at Nucleus translation 5.185 regulator deleted in lymphocytic leukemia DLEU2 216870_x_at unknown other 1.233 2 (non-protein coding) delta-like 3 (Drosophila) DLL3 219537_x_at Extracellular other 0.779 Space DNA segment on chromosome 4 D4S234E 209569_x_at Cytoplasm other −1.247 (unique) 234 expressed sequence DNA segment on chromosome 4 D4S234E 209570_s_at Cytoplasm other −1.488 (unique) 234 expressed sequence DNA segment on chromosome 4 D4S234E 213533_at Cytoplasm other −1.507 (unique) 234 expressed sequence dopamine beta-hydroxylase DBH 206450_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.311 (dopamine beta- monooxygenase) doublecortin-like kinase 1 DCLK1 215303_at Cytoplasm kinase −1.62 dual specificity phosphatase 16 DUSP16 224832_at Nucleus phosphatase −0.918 echinoderm microtubule EML1 204797_s_at Cytoplasm other 2.668 associated protein like 1 ectodermal-neural cortex (with ENC1 201340_s_at Nucleus peptidase 2.445 BTB-like domain) ectodermal-neural cortex (with ENC1 201341_at Nucleus peptidase 1.91 BTB-like domain) electron-transferring-flavoprotein ETFDH 33494_at Cytoplasm enzyme −0.807 dehydrogenase ELL associated factor 2 EAF2 219551_at Nucleus transcription 0.693 regulator ELOVL family member 7, ELOVL7 227180_at unknown other 2.644 elongation of long chain fatty acids endoplasmic reticulum ERAP1 214012_at Extracellular peptidase −1.885 aminopeptidase 1 Space enhancer of zeste homolog 2 EZH2 203358_s_at Nucleus transcription 0.94 regulator ephrin-A5 EFNA5 214036_at Plasma kinase 2.041 Membrane ephrin-A5 EFNA5 227955_s_at Plasma kinase 1.84 Membrane ephrin-A5 EFNA5 233814_at Plasma kinase 1.805 Membrane ephrin-B3 EFNB3 205031_at Plasma kinase −0.816 Membrane eukaryotic translation initiation EIF3C 236700_at Cytoplasm translation 1.378 factor 3, subunit C regulator exophilin 5 EXPH5 214734_at unknown other 3.973 exosome component 6 EXOSC6 231916_at Nucleus other 1.057 family with sequence similarity FAM162B 228875_at unknown other −0.743 162, member B family with sequence similarity FAM165B 228239_at Plasma other −0.822 165, member B Membrane family with sequence similarity FAM181B 231430_at unknown other 0.794 181, member B family with sequence similarity FAM19A4 242348_at Extracellular other 1.282 19 (chemokine (C—C motif)-like), Space member A4 family with sequence similarity FAM46A 224973_at unknown other −1.509 46, member A family with sequence similarity 7, FAM7A3 243356_at unknown other 3.495 member A3 far upstream element (FUSE) FUBP3 239193_at Nucleus transcription 1.192 binding protein 3 regulator F-box and WD repeat domain FBXW7 229419_at Nucleus transcription −0.921 containing 7 regulator fibroblast growth factor 13 FGF13 205110_s_at Extracellular growth factor −3.522 Space follistatin-like 1 FSTL1 208782_at Extracellular other −1.275 Space forkhead box O6 FOXO6 239657_x_at Nucleus other −1.512 frizzled homolog 5 FZD5 221245_s_at Plasma receptor 2.347 Membrane FYVE, RhoGEF and PH domain FGD5 226985_at Cytoplasm other −1.952 containing 5 G protein-coupled receptor 123 GPR123 239221_at Plasma receptor −1.302 Membrane G protein-coupled receptor 125 GPR125 210473_s_at Plasma receptor 0.714 Membrane galanin prepropeptide GAL 207466_at Extracellular other −1.434 Space galanin prepropeptide GAL 214240_at Extracellular other −3.128 Space gastrin-releasing peptide GRP 206326_at Extracellular growth factor 4.698 Space GDNF family receptor alpha 2 GFRA2 205721_at Plasma receptor 1.847 Membrane GDNF family receptor alpha 2 GFRA2 205722_s_at Plasma receptor 2.265 Membrane glutamate receptor, metabotropic 5 GRM5 214217_at Plasma receptor −2.231 Membrane glutathione peroxidase 7 GPX7 213170_at Cytoplasm enzyme −2.692 glutathione synthetase GSS 211630_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme 0.599 glycosyltransferase 25 domain GLT25D2 209883_at unknown other −1.223 containing 2 GNAS complex locus GNAS 214157_at Plasma enzyme −1.794 Membrane growth associated protein 43 GAP43 204471_at Plasma other 0.869 Membrane growth associated protein 43 GAP43 216963_s_at Plasma other 1.151 Membrane guanine nucleotide binding GNAI1 209576_at Plasma enzyme 2.225 protein (G protein), alpha Membrane inhibiting activity polypeptide 1 guanine nucleotide binding GNAI1 227692_at Plasma enzyme 2.111 protein (G protein), alpha Membrane inhibiting activity polypeptide 1 guanine nucleotide binding GNB4 225710_at Plasma enzyme 4.695 protein (G protein), beta Membrane polypeptide 4 guanine nucleotide binding GNG11 204115_at Plasma enzyme 2.587 protein (G protein), gamma 11 Membrane guanylate cyclase 1, soluble, GUCY1A3 221942_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme −1.522 alpha 3 guanylate cyclase 1, soluble, GUCY1A3 229530_at Cytoplasm enzyme −1.696 alpha 3 helicase, POLQ-like HELQ 228736_at Nucleus enzyme −1.28 HERPUD family member 2 HERPUD2 236170_x_at unknown other −0.897 heterogeneous nuclear HNRNPR 208765_s_at Nucleus other −0.64 ribonucleoprotein R hippocalcin-like 1 HPCAL1 205462_s_at Cytoplasm other −1.551 hippocalcin-like 1 HPCAL1 212552_at Cytoplasm other −1.387 histone cluster 1, H2ac HIST1H2AC 215071_s_at Nucleus other −2.462 histone cluster 1, H2bd HIST1H2BD 209911_x_at Nucleus other −2.036 histone cluster 1, H2bk HIST1H2BK 209806_at Nucleus other −1.575 histone cluster 2, H2be HIST2H2BE 202708_s_at Nucleus other −1.735 hypothetical LOC100130522 LOC100130522 230477_at unknown other −0.928 hypothetical LOC26082 DKFZP434L187 230861_at unknown other 0.968 hypothetical protein LOC100128844 229110_at unknown other 2.106 LOC100128844 hypothetical protein LOC643401 LOC340109 1557765_at unknown other 2.848 integrin, alpha 6 ITGA6 201656_at Plasma other 2.822 Membrane integrin, alpha 6 ITGA6 215177_s_at Plasma other 2.024 Membrane integrin, beta 5 ITGB5 201125_s_at Plasma other 0.913 Membrane interleukin 10 receptor, beta IL10RB 209575_at Plasma transmembrane −1.444 Membrane receptor junction mediating and JMY 226352_at Nucleus transcription −0.744 regulatory protein, p53 cofactor regulator K(lysine) acetyltransferase 2B KAT2B 203845_at Nucleus transcription −0.731 regulator KDEL (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu) KDELC2 225128_at unknown other 1.085 containing 2 kelch domain containing 1 KLHDC1 1552733_at unknown other −0.952 kelch repeat and BTB (POZ) KBTBD11 204301_at unknown other −0.733 domain containing 11 kelch-like 13 (Drosophila) KLHL13 227875_at unknown other 0.902 KH domain containing, RNA KHDRBS3 209781_s_at Nucleus other 1.082 binding, signal transduction associated 3 KH homology domain containing 1 KHDC1 230055_at unknown other −1.656 KIAA1598 KIAA1598 221802_s_at unknown other −2.811 kinesin family member 16B KIF16B 232083_at Cytoplasm other 1.688 lectin, galactoside-binding, LGALS3BP 200923_at Plasma transmembrane −1.417 soluble, 3 binding protein Membrane receptor leukemia inhibitory factor LIFR 225575_at Plasma transmembrane −0.941 receptor alpha Membrane receptor limb bud and heart development LBH 221011_s_at Nucleus transcription 0.788 homolog (mouse) regulator LRP2 binding protein LRP2BP 207797_s_at unknown other −1.365 lumican LUM 201744_s_at Extracellular other 5.638 Space LYR motif containing 5 LYRM5 225469_at unknown other −0.93 mab-21-like 1 MAB21L1 206163_at unknown other 2.722 mab-21-like 2 MAB21L2 210302_s_at unknown other 2.871 mab-21-like 2 MAB21L2 210303_at unknown other 2.204 macrophage stimulating 1 MST1 216320_x_at Extracellular growth factor −1.012 (hepatocyte growth factor-like) Space major facilitator superfamily MFSD4 229254_at unknown other −1.752 domain containing 4 mannosidase, alpha, class 2A, MAN2A1 226538_at Cytoplasm enzyme 0.864 member 1 mannosyl (alpha-1,3-)- MGAT4A 226039_at unknown enzyme −0.904 glycoprotein beta-1,4-N- acetylglucosaminyltransferase, isozyme A mesenchyme homeobox 2 MEOX2 206201_s_at Nucleus transcription −4.213 regulator microtubule-associated protein 9 MAP9 220145_at unknown other −0.7 microtubule-associated protein 9 MAP9 228423_at unknown other −1.108 microtubule-associated protein 9 MAP9 235550_at unknown other −0.863 mitochondrial ribosomal protein MRPS33 218654_s_at Cytoplasm other −0.609 S33 mitogen-activated protein kinase MAP3K5 203836_s_at Cytoplasm kinase −1.159 kinase kinase 5 moesin MSN 200600_at Plasma other 2.082 Membrane monoamine oxidase A MAOA 204388_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme 2.15 monoamine oxidase A MAOA 204389_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.88 monoamine oxidase A MAOA 212741_at Cytoplasm enzyme 2.048 monocyte to macrophage MMD 244523_at Plasma other 1.045 differentiation-associated Membrane multiple C2 domains, MCTP1 220122_at unknown other −1.597 transmembrane 1 MYC induced nuclear antigen MINA 213188_s_at Nucleus other 1.391 MYC induced nuclear antigen MINA 213189_at Nucleus other 1.641 myosin IB MYO1B 212365_at Cytoplasm other 0.71 myosin VI MYO6 203216_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.104 myosin VI MYO6 210480_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.41 Na+/H+ exchanger domain NHEDC2 1564746_at Plasma other −1.462 containing 2 Membrane N-acylethanolamine acid NAAA 214765_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme 0.911 amidase NADH dehydrogenase NDUFA4L2 218484_at unknown enzyme −3.507 (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex, 4-like 2 NADH dehydrogenase NDUFV3 226616_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme −0.875 (ubiquinone) flavoprotein 3, 10 kDa nebulette NEBL 203961_at Cytoplasm other −1.359 neural precursor cell expressed, NEDD9 202150_s_at Nucleus other 2.41 developmentally down-regulated 9 NIPA-like domain containing 3 NIPAL3 225876_at unknown other −1.203 nitric oxide synthase 1 NOS1 239132_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.138 (neuronal) nitric oxide synthase 1 NOS1 240911_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.187 (neuronal) NLR family member X1 NLRX1 219680_at unknown other −1.541 non-protein coding RNA 171 NCRNA00171 215985_at unknown other −0.692 nuclear receptor coactivator 7 NCOA7 225344_at Nucleus other −0.842 nucleosome assembly protein 1- NAP1L3 204749_at Nucleus other −1.53 like 3 nudix (nucleoside diphosphate NUDT19 235384_at Cytoplasm other −1.685 linked moiety X)-type motif 19 olfactomedin 3 OLFM3 1554524_a_at Cytoplasm other −0.927 oxysterol binding protein-like 3 OSBPL3 209626_s_at Cytoplasm other 2.083 pecanex-like 2 PCNXL2 1554256_a_at unknown other −0.728 pellino homolog 2 PELI2 219132_at Cytoplasm other 0.732 peptidase M20 domain PM20D2 225421_at unknown other 1.6 containing 2 peptidylglycine alpha-amidating PAM 202336_s_at Plasma enzyme −0.861 monooxygenase Membrane peripherin PRPH 213847_at Plasma other −1.417 Membrane PHD finger protein 20 PHF20 235389_at Nucleus other 0.596 phosphatidic acid phosphatase PPAPDC1A 236044_at unknown phosphatase −2.621 type 2 domain containing 1A phosphatidylinositol glycan PIGH 209625_at Cytoplasm enzyme −0.597 anchor biosynthesis, class H phosphoinositide-interacting HCG1776018 232887_at unknown other −2.019 regulator of transient receptor potential channels phosphorylase kinase, alpha 1 PHKA1 229876_at Cytoplasm kinase −1.2 (muscle) plastin 3 (T isoform) PLS3 201215_at Cytoplasm other 1.068 platelet-derived growth factor PDGFRB 202273_at Plasma kinase −1.373 receptor, beta polypeptide Membrane pleiotrophin PTN 209466_x_at Extracellular growth factor −1.426 Space pleiotrophin PTN 211737_x_at Extracellular growth factor −2.929 Space pleiotropic regulator 1 PLRG1 225194_at Nucleus transcription −0.701 regulator pleiotropic regulator 1 PLRG1 227246_at Nucleus transcription −1.228 regulator plexin A2 PLXNA2 213030_s_at Plasma other 0.946 Membrane plexin A4 PLXNA4 232317_at Plasma receptor 1.368 Membrane polo-like kinase 2 PLK2 201939_at Nucleus kinase 3.606 polycomb group ring finger 5 PCGF5 227935_s_at unknown other 0.791 polymerase (DNA directed), POLE 216026_s_at Nucleus enzyme 1.053 epsilon potassium channel KCTD12 212188_at unknown ion channel 3.396 tetramerisation domain containing 12 potassium channel KCTD12 212192_at unknown ion channel 4.806 tetramerisation domain containing 12 potassium large conductance KCNMA1 221584_s_at Plasma ion channel −2.389 calcium-activated channel, Membrane subfamily M, alpha member 1 potassium voltage-gated KCNQ2 205737_at Plasma ion channel −1.246 channel, KQT-like subfamily, Membrane member 2 pregnancy-associated plasma PAPPA 201982_s_at Extracellular peptidase −1.672 protein A, pappalysin 1 Space prostaglandin E receptor 2 PTGER2 206631_at Plasma receptor −2.328 (subtype EP2), 53 kDa Membrane prostaglandin F2 receptor PTGFRN 224937_at Plasma other 2.301 negative regulator Membrane proteasome (prosome, PSMA7 216088_s_at Cytoplasm peptidase 0.658 macropain) subunit, alpha type, 7 protein kinase, cAMP- PRKACB 235780_at Cytoplasm kinase −2.17 dependent, catalytic, beta protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTPRD 214043_at Plasma phosphatase −1.16 receptor type, D Membrane protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTPRE 221840_at Plasma phosphatase 3.044 receptor type, E Membrane protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTPRG 204944_at Plasma phosphatase 1.237 receptor type, G Membrane RAB35, member RAS oncogene RAB35 205461_at Cytoplasm enzyme 0.737 family RAB6B, member RAS oncogene RAB6B 225259_at Cytoplasm enzyme −1.229 family Rac/Cdc42 guanine nucleotide ARHGEF6 209539_at Cytoplasm other 2.719 exchange factor (GEF) 6 RAN, member RAS oncogene RAN 200750_s_at Nucleus enzyme 0.59 family RAS and EF-hand domain RASEF 1553986_at unknown other 1.393 containing ras homolog gene family, RHOU 223168_at Cytoplasm enzyme −1.154 member U regulator of G-protein signaling 5 RGS5 1555725_a_at Plasma other 4.038 Membrane regulator of G-protein signaling 5 RGS5 209070_s_at Plasma other 3.729 Membrane regulator of G-protein signaling 5 RGS5 209071_s_at Plasma other 3.468 Membrane regulator of G-protein signaling 5 RGS5 218353_at Plasma other 3.65 Membrane RELT-like 1 RELL1 226430_at unknown other 1.214 retinoblastoma-like 1 (p107) RBL1 1559307_s_at Nucleus other 0.959 retrotransposon gag domain RGAG4 227823_at unknown other −1.775 containing 4 Rho GTPase activating protein 6 ARHGAP6 206167_s_at Cytoplasm other 2.809 ribosomal L1 domain containing 1 RSL1D1 213750_at Cytoplasm other −0.816 RIMS binding protein 2 RIMBP2 238817_at Plasma other 1.679 Membrane ring finger protein 13 RNF13 201780_s_at Nucleus other −0.707 ring finger protein 182 RNF182 230720_at unknown other 2.696 ring finger protein 34 RNF34 219035_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme 0.85 ring finger protein 41 RNF41 201962_s_at Cytoplasm other −0.591 RNA polymerase I transcription LOC94431 216908_x_at unknown other −0.674 factor homolog pseudogene 1 sal-like 4 SALL4 229661_at Nucleus other 1.586 salt-inducible kinase 1 SIK1 208078_s_at Cytoplasm kinase −1.403 seizure related 6 homolog SEZ6L 207873_x_at Plasma other 0.866 (mouse)-like Membrane seizure related 6 homolog SEZ6L 211894_x_at Plasma other 0.797 (mouse)-like Membrane sema domain, transmembrane SEMA6A 220454_s_at Plasma other 1.356 domain (TM), and cytoplasmic Membrane domain, (semaphorin) 6A serine peptidase inhibitor, Kunitz SPINT2 210715_s_at Extracellular other −1.889 type, 2 Space SH3 domain containing, Ysc84- SH3YL1 204019_s_at unknown other −0.859 like 1 SH3-domain GRB2-like 2 SH3GL2 205751_at Plasma enzyme −1.605 Membrane similar to hCG2031213 LOC228052 1558795_at unknown other 2.239 similar to hCG2031213 LOC228052 1558796_a_at unknown other 1.887 single immunoglobulin and toll- SIGIRR 52940_at Plasma receptor −1.42 interleukin 1 receptor (TIR) Membrane domain single-minded homolog 1 SIM1 1556300_s_at Nucleus transcription 6.36 regulator single-minded homolog 1 SIM1 206876_at Nucleus transcription 5.737 regulator SLIT and NTRK-like family, SLITRK5 214930_at unknown other 4.094 member 5 SMG1 homolog, LOC641298 244766_at unknown other 1.065 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- related kinase pseudogene solute carrier family 12 SLC12A7 218066_at Plasma transporter −1.258 (potassium/chloride Membrane transporters), member 7 solute carrier family 22, member SLC22A17 218675_at Plasma transporter −0.724 17 Membrane solute carrier family 35, member SLC35F3 229065_at unknown other −3.048 F3 solute carrier family 44, member 5 SLC44A5 1569112_at unknown other 2.738 solute carrier family 44, member 5 SLC44A5 235763_at unknown other 1.845 solute carrier family 7 (cationic SLC7A2 225516_at Plasma transporter 1.892 amino acid transporter, y+ Membrane system), member 2 solute carrier organic anion SLCO3A1 219229_at Plasma transporter 1.622 transporter family, member 3A1 Membrane solute carrier organic anion SLCO3A1 227367_at Plasma transporter 1.045 transporter family, member 3A1 Membrane sparc/osteonectin, cwcv and SPOCK2 202524_s_at Extracellular other −0.83 kazal-like domains proteoglycan Space (testican) 2 sperm associated antigen 6 SPAG6 210032_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.687 sperm associated antigen 6 SPAG6 210033_s_at Cytoplasm other 2.774 spermatogenesis associated, SPATS2L 222154_s_at unknown other 0.907 serine-rich 2-like sphingosine-1-phosphate S1PR3 228176_at Plasma receptor 1.9 receptor 3 Membrane ST8 alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminide ST8SIA1 210073_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.114 alpha-2,8-sialyltransferase 1 ST8 alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminide ST8SIA3 230262_at Cytoplasm enzyme −1.039 alpha-2,8-sialyltransferase 3 stathmin-like 3 STMN3 222557_at Nucleus other 0.788 STEAP family member 3 STEAP3 218424_s_at Cytoplasm transporter −1.827 steroidogenic acute regulatory STAR 204548_at Cytoplasm transporter −1.093 protein stimulated by retinoic acid gene STRA6 1569334_at Plasma other 1.359 6 homolog Membrane stimulated by retinoic acid gene STRA6 1569335_a_at Plasma other 1.167 6 homolog Membrane storkhead box 2 STOX2 226822_at unknown other −0.854 synaptojanin 1 SYNJ1 212990_at Cytoplasm phosphatase −0.624 synaptotagmin XIII SYT13 226086_at unknown transporter −4.754 synuclein, alpha (non A4 SNCA 236081_at Cytoplasm other −0.935 component of amyloid precursor) taxilin beta TXLNB 227834_at Cytoplasm other −2.226 teashirt zinc finger homeobox 3 TSHZ3 223392_s_at Nucleus transcription 1.472 regulator teashirt zinc finger homeobox 3 TSHZ3 223393_s_at Nucleus transcription 0.962 regulator tetratricopeptide repeat domain TTC39C 238480_at unknown other −0.824 39C TH1-like TH1L 220607_x_at Nucleus other 1.027 TH1-like TH1L 225006_x_at Nucleus other 0.884 TH1-like TH1L 225261_x_at Nucleus other 0.883 TH1-like TH1L 225865_x_at Nucleus other 0.904 thioredoxin reductase 1 TXNRD1 201266_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.032 THO complex 4 THOC4 226319_s_at Nucleus transcription 0.996 regulator TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 TIMP3 201147_s_at Extracellular other 5.151 Space TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 TIMP3 201148_s_at Extracellular other 3.637 Space TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 TIMP3 201149_s_at Extracellular other 5.037 Space TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 TIMP3 201150_s_at Extracellular other 4.312 Space tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 TFPI2 209277_at Extracellular other 1.592 Space tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 TFPI2 209278_s_at Extracellular other 2.326 Space TM2 domain containing 1 TM2D1 213882_at Plasma receptor −0.769 Membrane transcription factor 7-like 2 (T- TCF7L2 212761_at Nucleus transcription 1.005 cell specific, HMG-box) regulator transcription factor 7-like 2 (T- TCF7L2 212762_s_at Nucleus transcription 1.224 cell specific, HMG-box) regulator transcription factor 7-like 2 (T- TCF7L2 216035_x_at Nucleus transcription 1.072 cell specific, HMG-box) regulator transcription factor 7-like 2 (T- TCF7L2 216037_x_at Nucleus transcription 0.81 cell specific, HMG-box) regulator transcription factor 7-like 2 (T- TCF7L2 216511_s_at Nucleus transcription 1.003 cell specific, HMG-box) regulator transducin-like enhancer of split 3 TLE3 212770_at Nucleus other 0.976 transformer 2 alpha homolog TRA2A 213593_s_at Nucleus other 1.12 transmembrane inner ear TMIE 1553601_a_at unknown other −3.334 transmembrane protein 132C TMEM132C 232313_at unknown other 4.02 transmembrane protein 178 TMEM178 229302_at unknown other 1.697 transmembrane protein 184C TMEM184C 219074_at unknown other −0.779 transmembrane protein 5 TMEM5 204808_s_at Plasma other −1.074 Membrane transmembrane protein 59-like TMEM59L 219005_at Cytoplasm other −0.845 tripartite motif-containing 29 TRIM29 211002_s_at Cytoplasm transcription 2.005 regulator tripartite motif-containing 36 TRIM36 219736_at Cytoplasm other 2.221 trophoblast glycoprotein TPBG 203476_at Plasma other 2.158 Membrane tumor suppressor candidate 3 TUSC3 232770_at Extracellular enzyme −1.407 Space U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary U2AF1 232141_at Nucleus other 0.776 factor 1 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 UBE2V1 201003_x_at Nucleus transcription 0.663 variant 1 regulator urocortin UCN 206072_at Extracellular other −0.961 Space vacuolar protein sorting 29 VPS29 223026_s_at Cytoplasm transporter 0.805 homolog v-erb-a erythroblastic leukemia ERBB4 206794_at Plasma kinase −1.537 viral oncogene homolog 4 Membrane v-erb-a erythroblastic leukemia ERBB4 214053_at Plasma kinase −1.708 viral oncogene homolog 4 Membrane v-erb-b2 erythroblastic leukemia ERBB2 216836_s_at Plasma kinase −0.698 viral oncogene homolog 2, Membrane neuro/glioblastoma derived oncogene homolog v-raf-1 murine leukemia viral RAF1 1557675_at Cytoplasm kinase 0.696 oncogene homolog 1 WD repeat and FYVE domain WDFY3 212602_at Cytoplasm enzyme −0.626 containing 3 WD repeat and FYVE domain WDFY3 212606_at Cytoplasm enzyme −0.785 containing 3 zinc finger homeobox 4 ZFHX4 219779_at unknown other 1.36 zinc finger homeobox 4 ZFHX4 241700_at unknown other 1.234 zinc finger protein 217 ZNF217 203739_at Nucleus transcription 1.096 regulator zinc finger protein 503 ZNF503 227195_at Nucleus other 1.373 zinc finger protein 641 ZNF641 226509_at unknown other −1.427 zinc finger protein 662 ZNF662 228538_at unknown other −3.352 zinc finger, CCCH-type with G ZGPAT 221848_at unknown other 0.991 patch domain

Computer analysis was performed as in Example V, except that the list of probes reflects genes that were greater than 1.5-fold differential expressed in the H1 cell line and the BB10 cell line when compared to both the 2D6 and SiMa parental cell lines, and also a greater than 1.5-fold differential expressed in the SiMa parental cell line when compared to the 2D6 cell line. When the p-value cut off was set to 0.05, this analysis identified 94 gene probes that could be classified to 70 genes (Table 17).

TABLE 17 Genes Identified using IPA Core Analysis Gene Log Gene Name Symbol Probe ID. No. Location Type Ratio achaete-scute complex ASCL1 209985_s_at Nucleus transcription 2.429 homolog 1 regulator achaete-scute complex ASCL1 209988_s_at Nucleus transcription 1.446 homolog 1 regulator achaete-scute complex ASCL1 213768_s_at Nucleus transcription 1.578 homolog 1 regulator activated leukocyte cell ALCAM 201952_at Plasma other 1.521 adhesion molecule Membrane ADP-ribosylation factor 1 ARF1 1565651_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.063 ADP-ribosylation factor-like ARL17A 243899_at unknown other 0.741 17A ataxin 2-binding protein 1 A2BP1 1553422_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.453 ataxin 2-binding protein 1 A2BP1 221217_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.497 brain abundant, membrane BASP1 202391_at Plasma other 1.146 attached signal protein 1 Membrane CAP, adenylate cyclase- CAP2 212551_at Plasma other −1.974 associated protein, 2 Membrane CD9 molecule CD9 201005_at Plasma other 1.415 Membrane CUG triplet repeat, RNA CUGBP2 202157_s_at Nucleus other 2.156 binding protein 2 cyclic nucleotide gated CNGA3 207261_at Plasma ion channel −3.182 channel alpha 3 Membrane cyclin-dependent kinase CDKN2A 209644_x_at Nucleus transcription −1.277 inhibitor 2A (melanoma, p16, regulator inhibits CDK4) ELL associated factor 2 EAF2 219551_at Nucleus transcription 0.693 regulator eukaryotic translation initiation EIF3C 236700_at Cytoplasm translation 1.378 factor 3, subunit C regulator family with sequence FAM162B 228875_at unknown other −0.743 similarity 162, member B family with sequence FAM181B 231430_at unknown other 0.794 similarity 181, member B far upstream element (FUSE) FUBP3 239193_at Nucleus transcription 1.192 binding protein 3 regulator fibroblast growth factor 13 FGF13 205110_s_at Extracellular growth factor −3.522 Space follistatin-like 1 FSTL1 208782_at Extracellular other −1.275 Space forkhead box O6 FOXO6 239657_x_at Nucleus other −1.512 guanine nucleotide binding GNAI1 227692_at Plasma enzyme 2.111 protein (G protein), alpha Membrane inhibiting activity polypeptide 1 guanine nucleotide binding GNB4 225710_at Plasma enzyme 4.695 protein (G protein), beta Membrane polypeptide 4 guanine nucleotide binding GNG11 204115_at Plasma enzyme 2.587 protein (G protein), gamma 11 Membrane KDEL (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu) KDELC2 225128_at unknown other 1.085 containing 2 kelch-like 13 KLHL13 227875_at unknown other 0.902 KH domain containing, RNA KHDRBS3 209781_s_at Nucleus other 1.082 binding, signal transduction associated 3 KH homology domain KHDC1 230055_at unknown other −1.656 containing 1 leukemia inhibitory factor LIFR 225575_at Plasma transmembrane −0.941 receptor alpha Membrane receptor mab-21-like 2 MAB21L2 210303_at unknown other 2.204 mesenchyme homeobox 2 MEOX2 206201_s_at Nucleus transcription −4.213 regulator moesin MSN 200600_at Plasma other 2.082 Membrane monoamine oxidase A MAOA 204388_s_at Cytoplasm enzyme 2.15 monoamine oxidase A MAOA 204389_at Cytoplasm enzyme 1.88 monoamine oxidase A MAOA 212741_at Cytoplasm enzyme 2.048 multiple C2 domains, MCTP1 220122_at unknown other −1.597 transmembrane 1 MYC induced nuclear antigen MINA 213188_s_at Nucleus other 1.391 MYC induced nuclear antigen MINA 213189_at Nucleus other 1.641 myosin VI MYO6 203216_s_at Cytoplasm other 1.104 phosphatidic acid PPAPDC1A 236044_at unknown phosphatase −2.621 phosphatase type 2 domain containing 1A plastin 3 (T isoform) PLS3 201215_at Cytoplasm other 1.068 pleiotrophin PTN 209466_x_at Extracellular growth factor −1.426 Space pleiotrophin PTN 211737_x_at Extracellular growth factor −2.929 Space polo-like kinase 2 PLK2 201939_at Nucleus kinase 3.606 (Drosophila) potassium large conductance KCNMA1 221584_s_at Plasma ion channel −2.389 calcium-activated channel, Membrane subfamily M, alpha member 1 RELT-like 1 RELL1 226430_at unknown other 1.214 ring finger protein 182 RNF182 230720_at unknown other 2.696 seizure related 6 homolog-like SEZ6L 207873_x_at Plasma other 0.866 Membrane seizure related 6 homolog SEZ6L 211894_x_at Plasma other 0.797 (mouse)-like Membrane similar to hCG2031213 LOC728052 1558795_at unknown other 2.239 single-minded homolog 1 SIM1 1556300_s_at Nucleus transcription 6.36 (Drosophila) regulator single-minded homolog 1 SIM1 206876_at Nucleus transcription 5.737 (Drosophila) regulator SLIT and NTRK-like family, SLITRK5 214930_at unknown other 4.094 member 5 SMG1 homolog, LOC641298 244766_at unknown other 1.065 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- related kinase pseudogene solute carrier family 44, SLC44A5 1569112_at unknown other 2.738 member 5 solute carrier family 44, SLC44A5 235763_at unknown other 1.845 member 5 solute carrier family 7 SLC7A2 225516_at Plasma transporter 1.892 (cationic amino acid Membrane transporter, y+ system), member 2 solute carrier organic anion SLCO3A1 219229_at Plasma transporter 1.622 transporter family, member Membrane 3A1 spermatogenesis associated, SPATS2L 222154_s_at unknown other 0.907 serine-rich 2-like synaptotagmin XIII SYT13 226086_at unknown transporter −4.754 tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 TFPI2 209278_s_at Extracellular other 2.326 Space transcription factor 7-like 2 (T- TCF7L2 212761_at Nucleus transcription 1.005 cell specific, HMG-box) regulator transformer 2 alpha homolog TRA2A 213593_s_at Nucleus other 1.12 transmembrane inner ear TMIE 1553601_a_at unknown other −3.334 transmembrane protein 178 TMEM178 229302_at unknown other 1.697 U2 small nuclear RNA U2AF1 232141_at Nucleus other 0.776 auxiliary factor 1 v-raf-1 murine leukemia viral RAF1 1557675_at Cytoplasm kinase 0.696 oncogene homolog 1 zinc finger protein 217 ZNF217 203739_at Nucleus transcription 1.096 regulator zinc finger protein 662 ZNF662 228538_at unknown other −3.352 The log ratio represent log₂ values where 0.585 is log₂(1.5) which is a 1.5-fold difference, 1 is log₂(2) which is a 2-fold difference, 1.584 is log₂(3) which is a 3-fold difference, 2 is log₂(4) which is a 4-fold difference, 2.321 is log₂(5) which is a 5-fold difference, 2.584 is log₂(6) which is a 6-fold difference, 2.807 is log₂(7) which is a 7-fold difference, 3 is log₂(8) which is a 8-fold difference, 3.169 is log₂(9) which is a 9-fold difference, and 3.321 is log₂(10) which is a 10-fold difference.

Example VI Immuno-Based Method to Detect Picomolar Amounts of BoNT/A

The following example illustrates how to perform immuno-based methods of detecting BoNT/A activity that can detect picomolar amounts of the BoNT/A pharmaceutical product, such as, e.g., BOTOX® DYSPORT®/RELOXIN®, PURTOX®, XEOMIN®, NEURONOX®, or BTX-A.

1. Immuno-Based Method of Detecting BoNT/A Using ECL Sandwich ELISA.

To prepare a lysate from cells treated with a BoNT/A, approximately 150,000 cells from an established clonal cell line was plated into the wells of 96-well tissue culture poly-D-lysine plates containing 100 μL of a serum-free medium containing Minimum Essential Medium, 2 mM GlutaMAXT™ I with Earle's salts, 1×B27 supplement, 1×N2 supplement, 0.1 mM Non-Essential Amino Acids, 10 mM HEPES and 60 μg/mL GT1b. The cell lines used were BB10, H1, and SiMa. These cells were incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until the cells differentiated, as assessed by standard and routine morphological criteria, such as growth arrest and neurite extension (approximately 3 days). The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with fresh media containing one of the following: 1) SiMa cell line, 0 (untreated), 0.98 U/mL, 1.9 U/mL, 3.91 U/mL, 7.81 U/mL, 15.6 U/mL, 31.3 U/mL, 62.5 U/mL, 125 U/mL, 250 U/mL, or 500 U/mL of a BoNT/A pharmaceutical product reconstituted in a sodium chloride free medium; 2) BB10, 0 (untreated), 0.49 U/mL, 0.98 U/mL, 1.9 U/mL, 3.91 U/mL, 7.81 U/mL, 15.6 U/mL, 31.3 U/mL, 62.5 U/mL, 125 U/mL, 250 U/mL; 3) H1, 0 (untreated), 0.3 U/mL, 1 U/mL, 3 U/mL, 9 U/mL, 28 U/mL, 83 U/mL, and 250 U/mL. Because the BoNT/A pharmaceutical product contains sodium chloride, its addition to the culture medium resulted in a hypertonic media that was detrimental to cell viability. To circumvent the hypertonicity issue, 200 μL of MEM media made without sodium chloride was used to reconstitute the BoNT/A pharmaceutical product giving a final concentration of 25 pM BoNT/A (500 U/mL). The matrix was kept constant for all concentrations along the dose-response curve by adding sodium chloride in the media used to make the dilutions match the amount of excipients present at the highest concentration used (25 pM or 500 U/mL). After a 24 hr treatment, the cells were washed, and incubated for an additional two days without toxin. To harvest the cells, 1×PBS was aspirated, the cells lysed by adding 75 μL of Lysis Buffer comprising 50 mM HEPES, 150 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EGTA, 1% Triton X-100 to each well, and the plate incubated on a shaker rotating at 500 rpm for 30 minutes at 4° C. The plate was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 minutes at 4° C. to pellet cellular debris and the supernatant was transferred to a capture antibody coated 96-well plate to perform the detection step.

To prepare the α-SNAP-25 capture antibody solution, the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody contained in the ascites from hybridoma cell line 2E2A6 (Example VII) was purified using a standard Protein A purification protocol. To prepare the α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution, α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antibody S9684 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) was conjugated to Ruthenium(II)-tris-bipyridine-(4-methysulfonate) NHS ester labeling reagent (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.) according to the manufacturer's instructions (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.). The conjugation reaction was performed by adding 30 μL of distilled water reconstituted MSD SULFO-TAG™ stock solution to 200 μL of 2 mg/mL α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies and incubating the reaction at room temperature for 2 hours in the dark. The labeled antibodies were purified using a standard spin column protocol and the protein concentration determined using a standard colorimetric protein assay. The absorbance of the α-SNAP-25 antibody/MSD SULFO-TAG™ conjugate was measured at 455 nm using a spectrophotometer to determine the concentration in moles per liter. The detection antibody solution was stored at 4° C. until needed.

To prepare the solid phase support comprising the capture antibody that is specific for a SNAP-25 cleaved product, approximately 1 μL of α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody 2E2A6 solution (45 μg/mL in 1×PBS, 750 μg/mL of BSA) was added to each well of a 96-well MSD High Bind plate (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.) and the solution is allowed to air dry in a biological safety cabinet for 2-3 hours in order to liquid evaporate the solution, and then the plates were sealed and stored at 4° C. until needed. The dried capture antibody-bound wells were then blocked by adding 150 μL of Blocking Buffer comprising 1×PBS, 0.05% Tween-20, 2% ECL Blocking reagent (GE Healthcare-Amersham), and 1% goat serum (Rockland Immunochemicals, Gilbertsville, Pa.) at room temperature for 2 hours with rotation at 600 rpm.

To detect the presence of a SNAP-25 cleavage product by ECL sandwich ELISA analysis, the Blocking Buffer from plates was aspirated, 25 μL of a lysate from cells treated with BoNT/A was added to each well and the plates were incubated at 4° C. for overnight. Plate wells were washed three times by aspirating the cell lysate and rinsing each well three times with 200 μL 1×PBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). After washing, 25 μl of 5 μg/mL α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution comprising 2% Amersham Blocking Reagent in 1×PBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate) was added to each well, the plate was sealed, and the sealed plate was incubated at room temperature for 1 hour with shaking. After α-SNAP-25 detection antibody incubation, the wells were washed three times with 250 μL 1×PBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). After washing 150 μL of 1×Read Buffer (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.) was added to each well and the plates were read using a SECTOR™ Imager 6000 Image Reader (Meso Scale Discovery, Gaithersburg, Md.). The raw data was then transferred to SigmaPlot v 10.0 and a 4-parameter logistics fit was used to define the dose-response curves. There were no constraints used for the 4-parameter logistic function when plotting the data. Graphical reports were generated using the following analysis: R2 (correlation coefficient), a (Max for data set), b (hillslope), and X0±SE (EC₅₀ value±standard error).

These results indicated that on average the cells comprising the BB10 and H1 clonal cell lines were more susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication as compared to cells comprising the parental SiMa cell line. Cells from a BB10 cell line exhibited an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of 7 U/mL, cells from a H1 cell line exhibited an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of 8 U/mL, and cells from the parental SiMa cell line exhibited an EC₅₀ for BoNT/A activity of 13 U/mL. This method can also be performed in a multiplex fashion as described in Ester Fernandez-Salas, et al., Immuno-Based Botulinum Toxin Serotype A Activity Assays, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/403,531, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Example VII Transfection of BoNT/A Receptor DNA into Sensitive Clonal Cell Lines Further Improves Sensitivity of the Clonal Cell Line for BoNT/A

The following example illustrates how to introduce a polynucleotide molecule encoding a BoNT/A receptor into cells from a clonal cell line to further improve susceptibility to BoNT/A intoxication or improve BoNT/A uptake capacity.

To introduce an exogenous BoNT/A receptor into cells comprising an established clonal cell line, a mammalian expression construct comprising a polynucleotide molecule of SEQ ID NO: 139 encoding the FGFR3 of SEQ ID NO: 25, was transfected into cells from a H1 clonal cell line by a cationic lipid method. A suitable density (about 5×10⁶ cells) of cells from an established clonal cell line are plated in a 100 mm tissue culture dish containing 5 mL of complete culture media and grown in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until the cells reached a density appropriate for transfection. A 3 mL transfection solution is prepared by adding 1.5 mL of OPTI-MEM® Reduced Serum Medium containing 60 μL of LIPOFECTAMINE® 2000 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) incubated at room temperature for 5 minutes to 1.5 mL of OPTI-MEM® Reduced Serum Medium containing 24 μg of an expression construct encoding the FGFR3 of SEQ ID NO: 25. This transfection mixture is incubated at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. The complete media on the cells is replaced with the 3 mL transfection solution and the cells are incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide for approximately 8 hours. Transfection media is replaced with 3 mL of fresh complete culture media and the cells are incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide for approximately 24 hours. Media is replaced with 3 mL of fresh complete culture media containing approximately 1 mM G418 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) for selection of transfected cells. Cells are incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide for approximately 1 week, the old media is replaced with fresh complete culture media containing 0.5 mM G418 and the cells are plated onto one 96-well collagen IV coated plate at a plating density of 0.5 cells per well. Cell growth and viability was monitored by microscopic examination and after about 3 weeks single clones appeared in about 20% of the wells. These clones were grown for an additional 2 weeks and then transferred to duplicate 24-well collagen IV coated plates, one to maintain the clonal cell line and the other to test for BoNT/A susceptibility.

To determine the susceptibility of the cells comprising the clonal cell lines overexpressing a BoNT/A receptor, a Western blot analysis was done to determine sensitivity and an ECL sandwich ELISA was done to determine an EC₅₀ value. A total of eight clones were tested for the FGFR3 stably transfected H1 cells.

To prepare a cell lysate for the Western blot analysis, cells from the clonal cell line were plated into two wells in a poly-D-lysine coated 96-well plate in serum-free medium containing Minimum Essential Medium, 2 mM GLUTAMAX™ I with Earle's salts, 1×B27 supplement, 1×N2 supplement, 0.1 mM Non-Essential Amino Acids, 10 mM HEPES and 25 μg/mL GT1b (Alexis Biochemicals, Lausen, Switzerland). These cells were incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until the cells differentiated, as assessed by standard and routine morphological criteria, such as growth arrest and neurite extension (approximately 3 days). The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with fresh media containing either 0 (untreated), 0.5 nM or 0.25 nM of a BoNT/A complex. After a 6 hr treatment, the cells were washed, and incubated for an additional 18 hr without toxin. After the incubation, the cells were washed by aspirating the growth media and rinsing each well with 200 μl of 1×PBS. To harvest the cells, the 1×PBS was aspirated, the cells were lysed by adding 40 μL of 2×SDS Loading Buffer and the plate was swirled for an even coating of Loading Buffer. The lysate was transferred to a new 96-well PCR plate (Axygen, Union City, Calif.) and the plate was heated to 95° C. for 5 min to complete cell lysis and denature proteins.

To detect for the presence of both uncleaved SNAP-25 substrate and cleaved SNAP-25 products, an aliquot from each harvested sample was analyzed by Western blot. In this analysis, a 12 μL aliquot of the harvested sample was separated by MOPS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using NUPAGE® Novex 12% Bis-Tris precast polyacrylamide gels (Invitrogen Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) under denaturing, reducing conditions. Separated proteins were transferred from the gel onto nitrocellulose membranes (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, Calif.) by Western blotting using a “Transfer +4 cassettes & Cooler” transfer chamber (GE Healthcare, Piscataway, N.J.). Membranes were blocked by incubating at room temperature for 1 hr with gentle agitation in a solution containing Tris-Buffered Saline (TBS) (25 mM 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol hydrochloric acid (Tris-HCl)(pH 7.4), 137 mM sodium chloride, 2.7 mM potassium chloride), 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate), 2% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), 5% nonfat dry milk. Blocked membranes were incubated at 4° C. for overnight in TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate), 2% BSA, and 5% nonfat dry milk containing a 1:5,000 dilution of α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antiserum S9684 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) as the primary antibody. The α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antibodies can detect both the uncleaved SNAP-25 substrate and the SNAP-25 cleavage product, allowing for the assessment of overall SNAP-25 expression in each cell line and the percent of SNAP-25 cleaved after BoNT/A treatment as a parameter to assess the amount of BoNT/A uptake. Primary antibody probed blots were washed three times for 5 minutes each time in TBS, TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Washed membranes were incubated at room temperature for 2 hours in TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate), 2% BSA, and 5% nonfat dry milk containing a 1:10,000 dilution of goat polyclonal anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G, heavy and light chains (IgG, H+L) antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (Invitrogen, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) as a secondary antibody. Secondary antibody-probed blots were washed five times for 5 minutes each time in TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Signal detection of the labeled SNAP-25 products were visualized using the ECL Plus™ Western Blot Detection System (GE Healthcare, Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, N.J.) and the membrane was imaged and the percent of cleaved SNAP-25 products quantified with a Typhoon 9410 Variable Mode Imager and Imager Analysis software (GE Healthcare, Amersham Biosciences, Piscataway, N.J.). The choice of pixel size (100 to 200 pixels) and PMT voltage settings (350 to 600, normally 400) depended on the individual blot. The volumes of the bands corresponding to either intact and cleaved SNAP-25 product were quantified using Image Quant TL and the total amount of SNAP-25 and the percentage of SNAP-25 cleaved were calculated based on the intensity of these two SNAP-25 bands.

Clone H1 1.4 had a high percentage of SNAP-25 cleavage and high levels of total SNAP25 and was selected for further testing. The selected clone was first grown on a 10 cm² dish and then in T175 flasks to ensure that enough cells were produced for both ECL sandwich ELISA assay and for freezing stocks. Frozen stocks were made with 1×10⁶ cells and 1 mL of Recovery Cell Culture Freezing Media (GIBCO-Invitrogen, #12648-010 Freezing media).

To prepare a cell lysate for the ECL sandwich ELISA, approximately 50,000 cells from H1 clonal cell line and from H1 1.4 clonal cell line overexpressing FGFR3 were plated and differentiated as described above. The media from the differentiated cells was aspirated from each well and replaced with fresh media containing either (untreated), 0.27 pM, 0.82 pM, 2.47 pM, 7.4 pM, 22.2 pM, 66.6 pM, or 200 pM of a BoNT/A complex of a BoNT/A complex. After a 6 hr treatment, the cells were washed, and incubated overnight without toxin. After a 24 hr treatment, the cells were washed by aspirating the BoNT/A containing media and rinsing each well with 200 μL of 1×PBS. Washed cells were harvested by lysing in freshly prepared Triton X-100 Lysis Buffer (150 mM NaCl, 20 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM EGTA, 1% Triton X-100 plus protease inhibitors) at 4° C. for 30 minutes with constant agitation. Lysed cells were centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 20 min at 4° C. to pellet debris.

The α-SNAP-25 capture antibody solution, the α-SNAP-25 detection antibody solution, and the solid phase support comprising the capture antibody that is specific for a SNAP-25 cleaved product were prepared as described in Example V. To detect the presence of a cleaved SNAP-25 product by ECL sandwich ELISA, the plates were processed, and the data collected and analyzed, and the EC₅₀ calculated as described in Example VI. The EC₅₀ for H1 1.4 cells was estimated to about 1.7 pM, compared to an EC₅₀ about 8.7 pM for H1 cells indicating that the newly generated H1 1.4 cell line is about 5 times more sensitive than the H1 cell line for BoNT/A uptake (average of two independent experiments with similar results). The maximum signal for both cell lines was identical indicating similar efficacy towards SNAP25 cleavage. The increase in sensitivity is especially prominent at lower concentrations of BoNT/A, where the H1 1.4 cells are many times more sensitive to BoNT/A compared to H1 cells producing a very robust signal over background at the 0.27 pM concentration. Over-expression of FGFR3 was verified in a Western blot using α-FGFR3 antibodies sc-123 (Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, Santa Cruz, Calif.).

Example VIII Development of α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies that Selectively Bind a SNAP-25 Epitope Having a Free Carboxyl-Terminus at the P₁ Residue of the BoNT/A Cleavage Site Scissile Bond

The following example illustrates how to make α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibodies that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 epitope having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond.

1. Generation of α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies.

α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibodies with higher binding affinity for a SNAP-25 cleavage product and/or α-SNAP-25 antibodies with a higher binding specificity for a SNAP-25 cleavage product were developed. In addition, because a permanent, stable and renewable source of α-SNAP-25 antibodies is preferable for an FDA-approved assay, screens to isolate monoclonal antibodies were undertaken. To develop monoclonal α-SNAP-25 antibodies the 13-residue peptide CDSNKTRIDEANQ_(COOH) (SEQ ID NO: 38) was designed as a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond. This peptide comprises a flexible linker region and a N-terminal Cysteine residue for conjugation to KLH and amino acids 186-197 of human SNAP-25 (SEQ ID NO: 5) with a carboxylated C-terminal glutamine (SEQ ID NO: 38). The generation of monoclonal antibodies to well-chosen, unique peptide sequences provides control over epitope specificity, allowing the identification of a particular subpopulation of protein among a pool of closely related isoforms. Blast searches revealed that this peptide has high homology only to SNAP-25 and almost no possible cross-reactivity with other proteins in neuronal cells. The sequence was also carefully scrutinized by utilizing computer algorithms to determine hydropathy index, protein surface probability, regions of flexibility, and favorable secondary structure, followed by proper orientation and presentation of the chosen peptide sequence. The peptide was synthesized and conjugated to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) to increase immunogenicity. Six Balb/c mice were immunized with this peptide, and after three immunizations in about eight weeks, the mice were bled for testing. The blood was allowed to clot by incubating at 4° C. for 60 minutes. The clotted blood was centrifuged at 10,000×g at 4° C. for 10 minutes to pellet the cellular debris. The resulting serum sample was dispensed into 50 μL aliquots and stored at −20° C. until needed.

A similar strategy based on other SNAP-25 antigens disclosed in the present specification is used to develop α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibodies that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond. For example, the SNAP-25 antigen of SEQ ID NO: 45 can be conjugated to KLH instead of the SNAP-25 antigen of SEQ ID NO: 38. As another example, the amino acids 186-197 of human SNAP-25 from the SNAP-25 antigen of SEQ ID NO: 38 can be replaced with SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 147, or SEQ ID NO: 148.

2. Screening for the Presence of α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies.

To determine the presence of an α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond, comparative ELISA and cell-based cleavage assay were performed using the extracted mouse serum. For comparative ELISA, two fusion proteins were constructed: BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ of SEQ ID NO: 48 and the BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆ of SEQ ID NO: 49. BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ comprised a naturally-biotinylated 16 amino acid BirA peptide of SEQ ID NO: 50 amino-terminally linked to a SNAP-25 peptide comprising amino acids 134-197 of SEQ ID NO: 5. BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆ comprised a naturally-biotinylated 16 amino acid BirA peptide of SEQ ID NO: 50 amino-terminally linked to a SNAP-25 peptide comprising amino acids 134-206 of SEQ ID NO: 5. These two substrates were suspended in 1×PBS at a concentration of 10 μg/mL BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ and the BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆. The BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ and the BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆ were coated onto separate plates by adding approximately 100 μl of the appropriate Substrate Solution and incubating the plates at room temperature for one hour. Washed plates were incubated at 37° C. for one hour in 0.5% BSA in 1×TBS containing a 1:10 to 1:100 dilution of an antibody-containing serum derived from one of the six immunized mice (Mouse 1, Mouse 2, Mouse 3, Mouse 4, Mouse 5, and Mouse 6). Primary antibody probed plates were washed four times for 5 minutes each time in 200 μl TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Washed plates were incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×TBS containing a 1:10,000 dilution of goat polyclonal anti-mouse IgG antibody conjugated to Horseradish peroxidase (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.) as a secondary antibody. Secondary antibody-probed plates were washed four times in 200 μl TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Chromogenic detection of the labeled SNAP-25 products were visualized by chromogenic detection using ImmunoPure TMB substrate kit (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.). The development of a yellow color in the BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ coated plates, but not the BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆ coated plates, indicated that the α-SNAP-25 antibody preferentially recognized the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product. The resulted indicated that of the six mice used for immunization, three mice (Mouse 2, Mouse 3, and Mouse 4) had higher titers and more specificity towards a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond.

These results were confirmed using an ELISA light chain activity assay. A 96-well Reacti-Bind Streptavidin coated plates (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.) were prepared by adding approximately 100 μl of the following Substrate Solution: Rows A-C were coated with 100 μL of BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ at twelve different concentrations; Rows D-H were coated with 100 μL of BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆ at 10 μg/mL. The plates were washed by aspirating the Substrate Solution and rinsing each well three times with 200 μl TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Dilutions of BoNT/A were pre-reduced at 37° C. for 20 minutes in BoNT/A Incubation Buffer (50 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 1% fetal bovine serum, 10 pM ZnCl₂, 10 mM dithiothrietol) and 100 μl of the pre-reduced BoNT/A was added to the substrate-coated plates and incubated at 37° C. for 90 minutes. BoNT/A treated plates were washed by aspirating the BoNT/A Incubation Buffer and rinsing each plate three times with 200 μl TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Washed plates were incubated at 37° C. for one hour in 0.5% BSA in 1×TBS containing a 1:10 to 1:100 dilution of the antibody-containing serum being tested. Primary antibody probed plates were washed four times for 5 minutes each time in 200 μl TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Washed plates were incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour in 1×TBS containing a 1:10,000 dilution of goat polyclonal anti-mouse IgG antibody conjugated to Horseradish peroxidase (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.) as a secondary antibody. Secondary antibody-probed plates were washed four times in 200 μl TBS, 0.1% TWEEN-20® (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaureate). Chromogenic detection of the labeled SNAP-25 products were visualized by chromogenic detection using ImmunoPure TMB substrate kit (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.). The development of a yellow color, which correlated with the presence of the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product was detected in BoNT/A treated samples, but not untreated controls, using antibody-containing serum derived from all six immunized mice (Mouse 1, Mouse 2, Mouse 3, Mouse 4, Mouse 5, and Mouse 6). Thus, the comparative ELISA analysis indicated that of the mice used for immunization, three mice (Mouse 2, Mouse 3, and Mouse 4) had higher titers and more specificity towards a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond.

For cell-based cleavage assay, a suitable density of PC12 cells were plated into 60 mm² tissue culture plates containing 3 mL of an appropriate serum medium (Table 1). The cells were grown in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until cells reached the appropriate density. A 500 μL transfection solution was prepared by adding 250 μL of OPTI-MEM® Reduced Serum Medium containing 15 μL of LIPOFECTAINE® 2000 (Invitrogen Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) incubated at room temperature for 5 minutes to 250 μL of OPTI-MEM® Reduced Serum Medium containing 10 μg of a pQBI-25/GFP-BoNT/A-LC expression construct (SEQ ID NO: 51). The pQBI-25/GFP-BoNT/A-LC expression construct comprises a pQBI-25 expression vector (Qbiogene Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) whose promoter elements are functionally linked to a polynucleotide encoding the GFP-BoNT/A light chain of SEQ ID NO: 52. This transfection mixture was incubated at room temperature for approximately 20 minutes. The media was replaced with fresh unsupplemented media and the 500 μL transfection solution was added to the cells. The cells were then incubated in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide for approximately 6 to 18 hours. The cells were washed and harvested as described in Example II. To detect for the presence of the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product, an aliquot from each harvested sample was analyzed by Western blot as described in Example II, except that the primary antibody used was a 1:1,000 dilution of the antibody-containing serum and the secondary antibody used was a 1:20,000 of mouse α-IgG Horseradish Peroxidase (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.). A single band corresponding to the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product was detected in BoNT/A treated samples, but not untreated controls, using antibody-containing serum derived from three mice (Mouse 2, Mouse 3, and Mouse 4). Thus, the cell-based cleavage assay indicated that of the mice used for immunization, three mice (Mouse 2, Mouse 3, and Mouse 4) had higher titers and more specificity towards a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond.

3. Production of Hybridomas.

To make hybridomas producing α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibodies that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond, the spleen from Mouse 2 was harvested three days subsequent to a final “booster” immunization and the spleen cells were fused with myeloma cells P3-X63 Ag8.653 using standard hybridoma protocols. These cells were plated into five 96-well plates and hybrids were selected using HAT medium. Within 8-14 days after fusion, the first screening of the approximately 480 parent clones was carried out using comparative ELISA with the BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ and the BIRA-HIS TAG®-SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆ peptides coated in two separate plates. The comparative ELISA provided a quick screen method to identify hybridomas producing antibodies specific for the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇. The top 18 clones were subjected to further screening using the cell-based cleavage assay described above and immunostaining of LC/A transfected cells. (Table 18).

TABLE 18 Analysis of Supernatants Containing α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibody Comparative ELISA Cell-Based Assay Clone OD SNAP-25₁₉₇ OD SNAP-25₂₀₆ Ratio_(197/206) Ratio_(206/197) SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ 1D3 1.805 0.225 8.02 0.13 +++ − 1F12 0.365 0.093 3.92 0.25 − − 1G10 0.590 0.137 4.31 0.23 ++ − 1H1 0.335 0.121 2.77 0.36 − − 1H8 0.310 0.302 1.03 0.97 + − 2C9 0.139 0.274 0.51 1.97 − − 2E2 0.892 0.036 24.78 0.04 ++ − 2E4 0.228 0.069 3.30 0.30 + − 2F11 1.095 1.781 0.61 1.63 − − 3C1 1.268 0.053 23.92 0.04 ++ − 3C3 0.809 0.052 15.56 0.06 ++ − 3E1 0.086 0.155 0.55 1.80 0 − 3E8 2.048 0.053 38.64 0.03 +++ − 3G2 0.053 0.158 0.34 2.98 − − 4D1 0.106 0.218 0.49 2.06 − − 4G6 0.061 0.159 0.38 2.61 − − 5A5 0.251 0.106 2.37 0.42 + − 5F11 0.243 0.061 3.98 0.25 − −

Clones 1D3, 1G10, 2E2, 3C1, 3C3, and 3E8 were further cloned by limiting dilution because the conditioned media produced by these clones comprised α-SNAP-25 antibodies with a preferential binding specificity having a ratio_(197/206) of at least 4:1 for the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product relative to the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate and detected the SNAP-25₁₉₇-cleavage product using the cell-based cleavage assay and the immunostaining of PC12 cells transfected with GFP-LC/A. Similarly clones 2C9, 2F11, 3G2, 4D1 and 4G6 were further cloned by limiting dilution because the conditioned media produced by these clones comprised α-SNAP-25 antibodies with a preferential binding specificity having a ratio₂₀₆₁₁₉₇ of at least 1.5:1 for the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate relative to the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product and detected the SNAP-25₂₀₆-uncleaved substrate using the cell-based cleavage assay. These single-cell derived clones were screened again using comparative ELISA, cell-based cleavage, and immunostaining to confirm their affinity and specificity, and the antibodies were isotyped using standard procedures. Ascites were produced from clones 1D3B8 (IgM.k), 1G10A12 (IgG3.k), 2C9B10 (IgG3.k), 2E2A6 (IgG3.k), 2F11B6 (IgM.k), 3C1A5 (IgG2a.k), and 3C3E2 (IgG2a.k). Clone 3E8 stopped producing antibodies during the cloning process and could not be further evaluated.

4. Evaluation of Binding Specificity of α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies.

To evaluate binding specificity of an α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond, ascites from clones 1D3B8, 1G10A12, 2C9B10, 2E2A6, 2F11B6, 3C1A5, and 3C3E2 were used to detect SNAP-25 cleavage product using the cell-based activity assay, immunocytochemistry and immunoprecipitation.

For the cell-based activity assay, binding specificity was determined by analyzing the ability of α-SNAP-25 antibody-containing ascites to detect the uncleaved SNAP-25₂₀₆ substrate and the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product by Western blot analysis. A suitable density of PC12 cells were plated into 60 mm² tissue culture plates containing 3 mL of an appropriate serum medium, grown in a 37° C. incubator under 5% carbon dioxide until an appropriate cell density was reached, and transfected with the either a transfection solution lacking the pQBI-25/GFP-BoNT/A-LC expression construct (untransfected cells) or a transfection solution containing the pQBI-25/GFP-BoNT/A-LC expression construct (transfected cells) as described above. The cells were washed and harvested as described in Example I. To detect for the presence of both the uncleaved SNAP-25₂₀₆ substrate and the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product, an aliquot from each harvested sample was analyzed by Western blot as described in Example I, except that the primary antibody used was a 1:100 dilution of the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody-containing ascites and the secondary antibody used was a 1:20,000 of α-mouse IgG conjugated to Horseradish Peroxidase (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.). In addition, three commercially available mouse α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibodies were tested. SMI-81 (Sternberger Monoclonals Inc., Lutherville, Md.), an α-SNAP-25 antibody the manufacturer indicates detects both the uncleaved SNAP-25₂₀₆ substrate and the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product, was used at a 15,000 dilution according to the manufacturer's recommendations. MC-6050 (Research & Diagnostic Antibodies, Las Vegas, Nev.), an α-SNAP-25 antibody the manufacturer indicates detects both the uncleaved SNAP-25₂₀₆ substrate and the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product, was used at a 1:100 dilution according to the manufacturer's recommendations. MC-6053 (Research & Diagnostic Antibodies, Las Vegas, Nev.), an α-SNAP-25 antibody the manufacturer indicates detects only the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product, was used at a 1:100 dilution according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Table 19 indicates the α-SNAP-25 antibody-containing ascites that detected only the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product. The cell-based cleavage assay indicated that ascites produced from clones 1D3B8, 2C9B10, 2E2A6, 3C1A5, and 3C3E2 synthesize an α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody having high binding specificity for the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product that allows for the selective recognition of this cleavage product relative to the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate. Commercial antibody SMI-81 detected the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate, but only poorly recognized the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product (Table 19). Surprisingly, commercial antibody MC-6050 only detected the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate, and failed to recognize the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product (Table 19). Even more surprisingly, commercial antibody MC-6050 only detected the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate, and failed to recognize the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product, even though the manufacturer advertises that this antibody selectively detects the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product (Table 19). Thus, this analysis indicates that while 1D3B8, 2C9B10, 2E2A6, 3C1A5, and 3C3E2 exhibit suitable selectivity for the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product, 1G10A12 and 2F11B6 do not. In addition, commercial antibodies SMI-81, MC-6050 and MC-6053 all are unsuitable for the immuno-based methods disclosed in the present application because all failed to selectivity detect the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product.

For immunocytochemistry analysis, binding specificity was determined by analyzing the ability of α-SNAP-25 antibody-containing ascites to detect the uncleaved SNAP-25₂₀₆ substrate and the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product by immunostaining. See e.g., Ester Fernandez-Salas et al., Plasma Membrane Localization Signals in the Light Chain of Botulinum Neurotoxin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 101(9): 3208-3213 (2004). A suitable density of PC12 cells were plated, grown, and transfected with either a transfection solution lacking the pQBI-25/GFP-BoNT/A-LC expression construct (untransfected cells) or a transfection solution containing the pQBI-25/GFP-BoNT/A-LC expression construct (transfected cells) as described above. The cells were washed in 1×PBS and fixed in 5 mL of PAF at room temperature for 30 minutes. Fixed cells were washed in phosphate buffered saline, incubated in 5 mL of 0.5% Triton® X-100 (polyethylene glycol octylphenol ether) in 1×PBS, washed in 1×PBS, and permeabilized in 5 mL of methanol at −20° C. for six minutes. Permeabilized cells were blocked in 5 mL of 100 mM glycine at room temperature for 30 minutes, washed in 1×PBS, and blocked in 5 mL of 0.5% BSA in 1×PBS at room temperature for 30 minutes. Blocked cells were washed in 1×PBS and incubated at room temperature for two hours in 0.5% BSA in 1×PBS containing a 1:10 dilution of an ascites from a clonal hybridoma cell line being tested. Primary antibody probed cells were washed three times for 5 minutes each time in 1×PBS. Washed cells were incubated at room temperature for 2 hours in 1×PBS containing a 1:200 dilution of goat polyclonal anti-mouse immunoglobulin G, heavy and light chains (IgG, H+ L) antibody conjugated to ALEXA® FLUOR 568 (Invitrogen Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.) as a secondary antibody. Secondary antibody-probed cells were washed three times for 5 minutes each time in 1×PBS. Washed cells were prepared for microscopic examination by mounting in VECTASHIELD® Mounting Media (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame, Calif.) and coverslipped. Images of signal detection were obtained with a Leica confocal microscope using appropriate laser settings. Table 19 indicates that the α-SNAP-25 antibody-containing ascites that specifically detected the SNAP-25₁₉₇-cleavage product. The immunocytochemistry analysis indicated that ascites produced from clones 1D3B8, 2C9B10, 2E2A6, 3C1A5, and 3C3E2 synthesize an α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody having high binding specificity for the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product that allows for the preferential recognition of this cleavage product relative to the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate.

For immunoprecipitation analysis, binding specificity was determined by analyzing the ability of Protein A (HiTrap™ Protein A HP Columns, GE Healthcare, Amersham, Piscataway, N.J.), purified α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibodies to precipitate the uncleaved SNAP-25₂₀₆ substrate and the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product. See e.g., Chapter 8 Storing and Purifying Antibodies, pp. 309-311, Harlow & Lane, supra, 1998a. A suitable density of PC12 cells were plated, grown, and transfected with either a transfection solution containing a pQBI-25/GFP expression construct (control cells; SEQ ID NO: 53) or a transfection solution containing the pQBI-25/GFP-BoNT/A-LC expression construct (experimental cells) as described above. The pQBI-25/GFP expression construct comprises an expression vector whose promoter elements are functionally linked to a polynucleotide encoding GFP of SEQ ID NO: 54. After an overnight incubation, the cells were washed by aspirating the growth media and rinsing each well with 200 μL 1×PBS. To harvest the cells, the PBS was aspirated, the cells were lysed by adding an Immunoprecipitation Lysis Buffer comprising 50 mM HEPES, 150 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM MgCl₂, 1 mM EGDT, 10% glycerol, 1% Triton® X-100 (polyethylene glycol octylphenol ether) and a 1×COMPLETE™ Protease inhibitor cocktail (Roche Applied Biosciences, Indianapolis, Ind.) and incubating at 4° C. for one hour. The lysed cells were centrifuged at 3,000×g at 4° C. for 10 minutes to remove cellular debris and the supernatant transferred to a clean tube and diluted to a protein concentration of approximately 1 mg/mL. Approximately 5 μg of purified monoclonal antibody was added to 0.5 mL of diluted supernatant and incubated at 4° C. for two hours. After primary antibody incubation, approximately 50 μl of immobilized Protein G (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.) was added to the diluted supernatant and incubated at 4° C. for one hour. The incubated supernatant was washed three times for 30 minutes each time by adding 0.5 mL of Immunoprecipitation Lysis Buffer, centrifuging at 300×g at 4° C. for one minute to pellet the immobilized Protein G, and decanting the supernatant. After washing, the pellet was resuspended in 30 μL of 1×SDS Loading Buffer and the sample was heated to 95° C. for 5 minutes. To detect for the presence of both the uncleaved SNAP-25₂₀₆ substrate and the cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product, an aliquot from each harvested sample was analyzed by Western blot as described in Example I, except that the primary antibody used was a 1:1,000 dilution of the α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibody serum (see Example IV) and the secondary antibody used was a 1:20,000 of rabbit α-IgG Horseradish Peroxidase (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford, Ill.). Table 19 indicates the α-SNAP-25 antibody-containing ascites that specifically pulled down the SNAP-25₁₉₇-cleavage product by immunoprecipitation analysis. The immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that ascites produced from clones 2E2A6 and 3C1A5 synthesize an α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody having high binding specificity for the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product that allows for the preferential recognition of this cleavage product relative to the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate.

TABLE 19 Analysis of Clone Ascites Containing α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibody Cell-Based Assay Immunocytochemistry Immunoprecipitation Clone SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ 1D3B8 ++ − ++ − Not Tested Not Tested 1G10A12 ++ ++ Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested 2C9B10 ++ − ++ − Not Tested Not Tested 2E2A6 ++ − ++ − ++ − 2F11B6 + + + + Not Tested Not Tested 3C1A5 ++ − ++ − ++ − 3C3E2 + − Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested MC-6050 − + Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested MC-6053 − + Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested SMI-81 −/+ ++ Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested

5. Evaluation of Binding Affinity of α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies.

To determine the binding affinity of an α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody showing high binding specificity for either the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product or the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate, binding affinity assays were performed on a BIACORE 3000 instrument using carboxymethyl dextran (CM5) sensor chips (BIAcore, Inc., Piscataway, N.J.). Runs were conducted at 25° C. with HBS-EP buffer comprising 10 mM HEPES (pH 7.4), 150 mM sodium chloride, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% (v/v) surfactant P20 at a flow rate of 10 μl/min. SNAP-25 peptides comprising amino acids 134-197 of SEQ ID NO: 5 (SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇) or amino acids 134-206 of SEQ ID NO: 5 (SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆) were covalently attached to the surface of the CM5 sensor chips using standard amine coupling. Briefly, the CM5 chips were activated by a 7 minute injection of a mixture of 0.2 M1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and 0.05 M N-hydroxysuccimide; the SNAP-25 peptides were then injected in 10 mM sodium acetate (pH 4.0) for 20 min at a flow rate of 10 μL/min; and unreacted succimide esters were blocked by a 7-min injection of 1 M ethanolamine hydrochloride, pH 8.5. The immobilized amount of SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₁₉₇ or SNAP-25₁₃₄₋₂₀₆ on the chip was reflected by a 100-150 increase in response units (about 0.10-0.15 ng/mm²). Antibody samples comprising either ascites or purified monoclonal antibodies produced from clones 1D3B8, 2C9B10, 2E2A6, 3C1A5, and 3C3E2, as well as, commercially available α-SNAP-25 antibodies were passed over the surface of the CM5 chips allowing an association time of 10 min and a dissociation time of 20 min. The surfaces were regenerated between runs by a 1 minute injection of 10 mM glycine-HCl (pH 2.5) at a flow rate of 15 μL/min. Sensorgram curves were fitted to a 1:1 kinetic binding model with the BIAevaluation 3.0 software.

The results indicate that both 2E2A6 and 3C1A5 were highly specific for cleaved SNAP-25₁₉₇ product over SNAP-25 uncleaved substrate (Table 20). When compared to the binding affinities of MC-6050 and MC-6053, 1D3B6 had an approximately 10-fold higher equilibrium disassociation constant for the SNAP-25 cleavage product relative to these commercial antibodies (Table 20). Interestingly, 2E2A6 had only a slightly lower equilibrium disassociation constant for the SNAP-25 cleavage product relative to these commercial antibodies (0.405 nM versus 0.497 and 0.508) (Table 20). As neither of these commercial α-SNAP-25 antibodies selectively recognized the SNAP-25 cleavage product (Table 19), an equilibrium disassociation constant lower than about 0.5 nM appears, in part, critical to achieve such selectivity. Similarly, when compared to the binding affinities of MC-6050 and MC-6053, 2E2A6 had an about at least one-fold slower off rate/dissociation constant (6.74×10⁻⁵ versus 8.82×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ and 1.18×10⁻³ s⁻¹) (Table 20). This further suggests that an off rate/dissociation constant lower than about 8.82×10⁻⁴ appears, in part, critical to achieve selective binding for the SNAP-25 cleavage product. This result is consistent with 1D3B8, which had an off rate/dissociation constant of 5.78×10⁻⁵s⁻¹ (Table 20).

TABLE 20 Analysis of Binding Affinity α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies 1D3B8 2E2A6 SPR Parameter SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ ^(a) SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ ^(b) Ka (M⁻¹ s⁻¹) 1.06 × 10⁶   — 1.70 × 10⁶   — (1.66 × 10⁵)  (—) Kd (s⁻¹) 5.78 × 10⁻⁵ — 1.53 × 10⁻⁴ — (6.74 × 10⁻⁵) (—) KD (nM) 0.050 — 0.090 — (0.405) (—) 3C1A5 2C9B10 SPR Parameter SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ ^(c) SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ ^(d) Ka (M⁻¹ s⁻¹) 2.17 × 10⁵   — 1.15 × 10⁴   — Kd (s⁻¹) 2.88 × 10⁻⁴ — 3.11 × 10⁻⁴ — KD (nM) 1.33 — 27.1 — MC-6050 MC-6053 SPR Parameter SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ SNAP-25₁₉₇ SNAP-25₂₀₆ Ka (M⁻¹ s⁻¹) 1.78 × 10⁶   3.06 × 10²   2.32 × 10⁶   1.06 × 10²   Kd (s⁻¹) 8.82 × 10⁻⁴ 6.07 × 10⁻³ 1.18 × 10⁻³ 2.56 × 10⁻⁵ KD (nM) 0.497 19,800 0.508 240 ^(a)No binding was observed when up to 125 nM of α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody 1D3B8 was passed over the surface of the CM5 sensor chip after a 10 minute association time. ^(b)No binding was observed when up to 10 μM of α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody 2E2A6 was passed over the surface of the CM5 sensor chip after a 10 minute association time. ^(c)No binding was observed when up to 100 nM of α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody 3C1A5 was passed over the surface of the CM5 sensor chip after a 10 minute association time. ^(d)No binding was observed when up to 100 nM of α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody 2C9B10 was passed over the surface of the CM5 sensor chip after a 10 minute association time.

To compare the six different antibodies, the on-rate (ka) and off-rate (kd) for each was normalized using a program from the BIA evaluation 4.1 software. For comparison of the on-rates, the data were first individually trimmed by deleting the re-generation portion and the injection spikes, and then normalized to a 0 to 100 scale. For comparison of the off-rate, the data were normalized to the injection stop/top point. This analysis showed that 2C9B10 had a much slower on-rate than the other antibodies (FIG. 3A), and that MC-6053 has a much faster off-rate (dissociation) that the other antibodies (FIG. 3B). The fast off-rate of MC-6053 indicates that this antibody will not perform well in the methods disclosed in the present specification because this antibody will have difficulty staying bound to the substrate antigen during the washing steps.

6. Sequencing of the Epitope from Isolated α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies.

To determine the epitope of an isolated α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond, the polynucleotide molecule encoding the variable heavy (V_(H)) and variable light (V_(L)) chains of the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody produced by hybridomas 1D3B8, 2C9B10, 2E2A6, 3C1A5 and 3C3E2 were sequenced. mRNA was extracted and purified from each hybridoma using standard protocols and reversed transcribed into cDNA using either an oligo dT anti-sense primer or a gene-specific (murine IgG1 CH and kappa CL) anti-sense primer. Specific murine and human constant domain primers were used to amplify the cDNA by PCR after cDNA production to determine the isotype of the antibody. Degenerate V_(H) and V_(L) primers were used to amplify the variable domains from the cDNA. For 5′RACE, a homopolymeric dCTP tail was added to the 3′ end of the cDNA. The heavy and light chains were then amplified with an oligo dG sense primer and a gene specific (CH/KC) anti-sense primer. PCR products included the sequence of the signal peptide, variable domains and constant domains up to the anti-sense primer. The PCR products were gel purified to remove small fragments, and cloned into a blunt or TA vector for sequencing. Five independent clones for each chain were sequenced and alignments of V_(H) and VL chains and consensus sequences were determined. Methods used to determine the V_(H) and V_(L) amino acid sequences are described in, e.g., Roger A. Sabbadini, et al., Novel Bioactive Lipid Derivatives and Methods of Making and Using Same, U.S. Patent Publication 2007/0281320; and Peter Amersdorfer, et al., Molecular Characterization of Murine Humoral Immune Response to Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Binding Domain as Assessed by Using Phage Antibody Libraries, 65(9) Infect. Immun. 3743-3752, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, commercial services are available to sequence the variable heavy (V_(H)) and variable light (V_(L)) chains of an antibody and identify the CDR regions, see, e.g., Fusion Antibodies Ltd., Northern Ireland.

The polynucleotide sequence comprising the V_(H) and V_(L) chains of the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridomas disclosed in the present specification is as follows: 1D3B8 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 71), 2C9B10 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 73), 2E2A6 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 75), 3C1A5 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 77), 3C3E2 V_(H) variant 1 (SEQ ID NO: 79), 3C3E2 V_(H) variant 2 (SEQ ID NO: 81), 3C3E2 V_(H) variant 3 (SEQ ID NO: 149), 1D3B8 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 83), 2C9B10 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 85), 2E2A6 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 87), 3C1A5 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 89), and 3C3E2 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 91). The amino acid sequence comprising the V_(H) and V_(L) chains of the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridomas disclosed in the present specification is as follows: 1D3B8 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 72), 2C9B10 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 74), 2E2A6 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 76), 3C1A5 V_(H) (SEQ ID NO: 78), 3C3E2 V_(H) variant 1 (SEQ ID NO: 80), 3C3E2 V_(H) variant 2 (SEQ ID NO: 82); 3C3E2 V_(H) variant 2 (SEQ ID NO: 150), 1D3B8 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 84), 2C9B10 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 86), 2E2A6 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 88), 3C1A5 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 90), and 3C3E2 V_(L) (SEQ ID NO: 92). The amino acid sequences comprising the V_(H) and V_(L) CDR domains of the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridomas 1D3B8, 2C9B10, 2E2A6, 3C1A5, and 3C3E2 are given in Table 21.

TABLE 21 CDR Sequences of V_(H) and V_(L) domains from α-SNAP-25 Monoclonal Antibodies CDR Sequence Identified In SEQ ID NO: V_(H) CDR 1 TFTDHSIH 2E2A6 93 2C9B10 3C1A5 V_(H) CDR 1 TFTNYVIH 3C3E2 94 V_(H) CDR 1 IFTDHALH 1D3B8 95 V_(H) CDR 2 YIFPGNGNIEYNDKFKG 2E2A6 96 V_(H) CDR 2 YLFPGNGNFEYNEKFKG 2C9B10 97 3C1A5 V_(H) CDR 2 YINPYNDGSKYNEKFKG 3C3E2 98 V_(H) CDR 2 YIFPGNGNIEYNEKFKG 1D3B8 99 V_(H) CDR 3 KRMGY 2E2A6 100 3C1A5 V_(H) CDR 3 KKMDY 2C9B10 101 1D3B8 V_(H) CDR 3 ARMDY 3C3E2var1 102 V_(H) CDR 3 ARMGY 3C3E2var2 151 V_(H) CDR 3 ARHLANTYYYFDY 3C3E2var3 152 V_(L) CDR 1 RSSQSIVHSNGNTYLE 1D3B8 103 V_(L) CDR 1 RTTENIYSYFV 2C9B10 104 V_(L) CDR 1 KSSQSLLYTNGKTYLT 2E2A6 105 V_(L) CDR 1 KSSQSLLNTNGKTYLT 3C1A5 106 V_(L) CDR 1 RASQNIGNYLH 3C3E2 107 V_(L) CDR 2 KVSNRFS 1D3B8 108 V_(L) CDR 2 NAKSLAE 2C9B10 109 V_(L) CDR 2 LVSELDS 2E2A6 110 V_(L) CDR 2 LVSKLDS 3C1A5 111 V_(L) CDR 2 YASQSIS 3C3E2 112 V_(L) CDR 3 FQGSHVPPT 1D3B8 113 V_(L) CDR 3 QHHYGTPYT 2C9B10 114 V_(L) CDR 3 LQSAHFPFT 2E2A6 115 V_(L) CDR 3 LQSSHFPFT 3C1A5 116 V_(L) CDR 3 QQSDTWPLT 3C3E2 117

Non-limiting examples of amino acid sequences comprising V_(H) CDR domain variants of the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridomas disclosed in the present specification include V_(H) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 118 for 1D3B8; V_(H) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 119 for 2C9B10, 2E2A6 and 3C1A5 V_(H); V_(H) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 120 for 3C1A5 V_(H) and 3C3E2 variant 3; V_(H) CDR2 variant SEQ ID NO: 121 for 1D3B8 and 2E2A6; V_(H) CDR2 variant SEQ ID NO: 122 for 2C9B10 and 3C1A5 V_(H); V_(H) CDR2 variant SEQ ID NO: 123 for 3C1A5 V_(H) and 3C3E2 variant 3; V_(H) CDR3 variant MDY for 1D3B8 and 2C9B10; V_(H) CDR3 variant MGY for 2E2A6 and 3C1A5 V_(H); and V_(H) CDR3 variant SEQ ID NO: 124 for 3C1A5 V_(H) and 3C3E2 variant 3. Non-limiting examples of amino acid sequences comprising V_(L) CDR domain variants of the α-SNAP-25 monoclonal antibody produced by the hybridomas disclosed in the present specification include V_(L) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 125 for 1D3B8; V_(L) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 126 for 2C9B10; V_(L) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 127 for 2E2A6; V_(L) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 128 for 3C1A5; V_(L) CDR1 variant SEQ ID NO: 129 for 3C3E2; V_(L) CDR2 variant KVS for 1D3B8; V_(L) CDR2 variant NAK for 2C9B10; V_(L) CDR2 variant LVS for 2E2A6; V_(L) CDR2 variant YAT for 3C1A5; and V_(L) CDR2 variant YAS for 3C3E2.

Example IX Development of α-SNAP-25 Polyclonal Antibodies that Selectively Bind a SNAP-25 Epitope Having a Free Carboxyl-Terminus at the P₁ Residue of the BoNT/A Cleavage Site Scissile Bond

The following example illustrates how to make α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 epitope having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond.

To develop α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, the 10-residue peptide CGGGRIDEANQ (SEQ ID NO: 46) was designed as a SNAP-25 cleavage product antigen. This peptide comprising a N-terminal Cysteine residue for conjugation to KLH, a G-spacer flexible spacer (GGG) linked to amino acids 191-197 of human SNAP-25 (SEQ ID NO: 5) and has a carboxylated C-terminal glutamine. Blast searches revealed that this peptide has high homology only to SNAP-25 and almost no possible cross-reactivity with other proteins in neuronal cells. The sequence was also carefully scrutinized by utilizing computer algorithms to determine hydropathy index, protein surface probability, regions of flexibility, and favorable secondary structure, followed by proper orientation and presentation of the chosen peptide sequence. The peptide was synthesized and conjugated to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH) to increase immunogenicity. Before the animals were immunized, naïve rabbits were first screened against cell lysates from candidate cell lines in a Western blot in order to identify animals that had no immunoreactivity to the proteins present in the cell lysates. Two pre-screened rabbits were immunized with this peptide, and after three immunizations in about eight weeks, the rabbits were bled for testing. The blood was allowed to clot by incubating at 4° C. for 60 minutes. The clotted blood was centrifuged at 10,000×g at 4° C. for 10 minutes to pellet the cellular debris. The resulting serum sample was dispensed into 50 μL aliquots and stored at −20° C. until needed.

A similar strategy based on other SNAP-25 antigens disclosed in the present specification is used to develop α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product. For example, the SNAP-25 antigen of SEQ ID NO: 47 can be conjugated to KLH instead of the SNAP-25 antigen of SEQ ID NO: 46. As another example, the amino acids 191-197 of human SNAP-25 from the SNAP-25 antigen of SEQ ID NO: 38 can be replaced with SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 43, or SEQ ID NO: 44.

2. Screening for the Presence of α-SNAP-25 Polyclonal Antibodies.

To determine the presence of α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond, comparative ELISA and cell-based cleavage assays were performed using the extracted rabbit serum as described in Example VIII. The serum from both rabbits contained α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond. The α-SNAP-25 rabbit polyclonal antibodies were designated as NTP 22 and NTP 23.

3. Purification of α-SNAP-25 Polyclonal Antibodies.

To purify α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond, NTP 22 and NTP 23 antibodies from rabbit serum were purified using affinity columns containing the SNAP-25 antigen of SEQ ID NO: 46.

4. Evaluation of Binding Specificity of α-SNAP-25 Polyclonal Antibodies.

To evaluate binding specificity of an α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibody that can selectively bind to a SNAP-25 antigen having a carboxyl-terminus at the P₁ residue of the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond, purified NTP 22 and NTP 23 α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies were used to detect cleavage product using the cell-based activity assay, immunnocytochemistry and immunoprecipitation as described in Example VIII. The cell-based cleavage assay, immunocytochemistry analysis and immunoprecipitation analysis all indicated that NTP 22 and NTP 23 α-SNAP-25 polyclonal antibodies did not cross-react with uncleaved SNAP-25. Thus both NTP 22 and NTP 23 have high binding specificity for the SNAP-25₁₉₇ cleavage product that allows for the preferential recognition of this cleavage product relative to the SNAP-25₂₀₆ uncleaved substrate. Affinity for the antigens can be determined using SPR in the BiAcore as described in Example VIII.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s). Embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the above-cited references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

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LENGTHY TABLES The patent application contains a lengthy table section. A copy of the table is available in electronic form from the USPTO web site (http://seqdata.uspto.gov/?pageRequest=docDetail&DocID=US20100233802A1). An electronic copy of the table will also be available from the USPTO upon request and payment of the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.19(b)(3). 

1. An established clonal cell line comprising cells susceptible to intoxication by BoNT/A, wherein the cells exhibits at least a 1.5-fold difference in gene expression levels of three or more genes as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164; and wherein the gene expression levels are selected from th group ADAMTS9, ASCL1, BASP1, DOK5, DPYD, GNB4, GNG11, GTSF1, MAOA, MINA, MSN, PEG3, PLK2, PRSS12, RNF182, SLC44A5, SPARC, TFPI2, and TPTE; and wherein the clonal cell line comprises cells susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication by about 100 pM or less of a BoNT/A.
 2. The established clonal cell line of claim 1, wherein the cells exhibit at least a 2.0-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164, at least a 3.0-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC 164, or at least a 4.0-fold difference in gene expression levels of one or more genes as compared to the expression levels of these genes in cells from the parental SiMa cell line DSMZ ACC
 164. 3. The established clonal cell line of claim 1, wherein the gene expression levels are measured before differentiation of the cell or after differentiation of the cell.
 4. The established clonal cell line of claim 1, wherein the cell from an established clonal cell line exhibits about 100 pM or less of a BoNT/A for at least 5 or more cell passages. 